Geography Scholarships

Robert C. Fite Scholarship
(Outstanding Freshman Major)
The Fite Scholarship is presented annually to a freshman geography major. The award is named in honor of Robert C. Fite who served as a faculty member in the deparment for 33 years between 1949 and 1982. Dr. Fite initiated the scholarship to recognize and encourage outstanding college freshman interested in geography.


John F. Rooney, Jr. Scholarship
(Outstanding Junior Major)
The John F. Rooney, Jr. Scholarship is presented each year to the outstanding junior in the Department of Geography. The scholarship is named in honor of Regents Professor and former department head John Rooney, a pioneer in American sport geography.


Robert E. Norris Memorial Scholarship
(Outstanding 1st Year Graduate Student)
The Robert E. Norris Memorial Scholarship is presented to the outstanding first-year graduate student in the Department of Geography at OSU. Bob Norris was a faculty member, well-known textbook author, and friend to OSU students from 1974 until his untimely death in 1991. This scholarship honors Bob's dedication to student welfare and his outstanding contributions to the OSU Department of Geography.

All graduate students who enter the program in a calendar year will be eligible and the award will be made in April of the following year. Each faculty member in the Department may nominate one graduate student for the award. The final award decision will be made by the Awards Committee.