Scholarships

Chris Schwer Memorial Scholarship

Break and International Trips

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Chris Schwer, a multimedia specialist for University Relations, passed away August 1st, 2012, in White Salmon, WA, doing what he loved—kayaking. He was 27. A graduate of Ohio University, Chris joined University Relations in July 2009. He was pursuing his master’s degree at WVU. Chris served a key role in the development and production of countless WVU pieces, including the WVU Magazine. He was a gifted photographer and designer who contributed to projects showcasing the stories of WVU and its community. Since his arrival at WVU, Chris brightened our campus and the lives of those he encountered with his infectious smile and genuine compassion. When asked what he loved about WVU, Chris replied, “Diversity, fresh minds and proximity to awesome outdoor recreation . . . especially the rivers.” He was very passionate about the outdoors and environmental issues, always wanting to be green and save the planet. He inspired all of us to be conscientious about recycling, clean air, clean water, and clean energy. The outdoors was his sanctuary. Chris truly brought to life what it means to be a Mountaineer. The Chris Schwer Memorial Scholarship is established to celebrate his love of the outdoors and his adventurous spirit.

Scholarship Award: Up to $400 for Break and Extended Trips. Up to $1,000 for International Trips.

Criteria and Eligibility: Must be registered* for Break or International Trip and currently be enrolled as a WVU student.

*We understand that registering for said trip is a big financial commitment and the student may be relying on the scholarship award to attend. Scholarships will be awarded prior to the refund deadline, therefore allowing the student to remove themselves from the trip with zero financial consequences if they do not receive a scholarship.

When evaluating applications, the scholarship committee takes these following things into account:

• Quality of application
• Financial need
• Enrollment status
• Availability of funds

Deadline for 2025 International Trip Applications:
Argentina: Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

In order to be considered for the scholarship, you must have a submitted application through the Office of Global Affairs.

Once you are committed to an international program, you are responsible for a percentage of program fees. If it is 90+ days from departure, you will be responsible for $500 + any airfare already purchased.

Deadline for 2024/2025 Domestic Break Trips Applications:
Winter Break: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at Midnight
Spring Break: Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at Midnight

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Zachary David Burns Fund

SOAR

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Zachary Burns was an Adventure WV participant in 2010 who valued greatly his Orientation Trip experience. Sadly, Burns passed away in 2011. In his memory, Burns’ family established a fund to provide funding to students to participate in SOAR (Sophomore Outdoor Adventure Reorientation). To apply for the scholarship you must complete and submit the application linked below. Applicants must be non-WV residents.

Scholarship Award: $750 per awardee for SOAR Utah

Criteria and Eligibility: Must be registered* for SOAR. Must currently be enrolled as a WVU student, a non-WV resident, and a rising sophomore for the 24-25 academic year.

*We understand that registering for said trip is a big financial commitment and the student may be relying on the scholarship award to attend. Scholarships will be awarded prior to the refund deadline, therefore allowing the student to remove themselves from the trip with zero financial consequences.

When evaluating applications, the scholarship committee takes these following things into account:

• Quality of application
• Financial need
• Enrollment status
• Residency
• Availability of funds

Deadline for Application:
Thursday, January 30th, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.