Math Scholarships
The UND Department of Mathematics offers a number of scholarship opportunities to its students.
Current UND Students
The best way for UND students to apply for scholarships is by completing the General Application in Scholarship Central. The General Application will automatically match you with scholarships you’re qualified for and will suggest other scholarships that you may be eligible for but which require further information. UND utilizes a “pool and match” system to award scholarships in a manner that honors donor intent and complies with applicable laws. Applications are generally due by March 1 for awards made in the following year.
The Jay O. and Marie Bjerkaas Scholarship
The Jay O. and Marie Bjerkaas Scholarship fund was established by the children of Jay and Marie Bjerkaas to honor their parents. Jay Bjerkaas was from Little Sauk, Minnesota and attended UND from 1927 to 1929 working towards a degree in either physics and/or mathematics. He returned to Little Sauk to farm before completing his degree. Jay married Marie Bangert of Clotho, Minnesota, and they raised six children in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. All six attended college in either Minnesota or North Dakota, four receiving bachelors degrees from UND. The Bjerkass Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding junior or senior mathematics major from Minnesota or North Dakota. Preference is given to students from Minnesota and to those with a double major in mathematics and physics.
The John and Lyle Buchwitz Scholarship Endowment
The Foundation shall distribute allocations from the Fund each year for scholarships for one graduate student within the Math Department and one graduate student within the Physics Department.
The Ronald C. and Ann C. Bzoch Scholarship
The Ronald and Ann Bzoch Memorial Endowment was established by Maryanne C. Romero in memory and honor of her parents. Ron and Ann Bzoch provided outstanding teaching and service at UND and in the Grand Forks community. As chairman of the Mathematics Department at UND, Ron was a strong supporter of his faculty and students. He pushed them to go beyond their imagined limitations. He expanded their knowledge base and strengthened the Math Department. Ann worked tirelessly on volunteer projects. Well-liked and respected, Ron and Ann often invited friends and colleagues to share in their happiness – good food, good conversation, and good music. The camaraderie Ron and Ann provided for the University and the Grand Forks community will never be forgotten. The Ronald and Ann Bzoch Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding senior majoring in mathematics.
The Brent Christensen Mathematics Scholarship Endowment
*Available to award starting Fall 2024
The Brent Christensen Mathematics Scholarship will be awarded each year to one or more students majoring in Mathematics.
The Deann and Lee Christianson Scholarship
The Deann & Lee Christianson Scholarship will be given to an undergraduate mathematics major with preference going to a student who is a sophomore or above who demonstrates financial need.
The Patrick Durkin Memorial Scholarship
Grand Forks native Patrick Durkin focused on music, robotics and math competitions during middle school and high school at Math & Science Academy in Woodbury, Minn. He was a National Merit Scholar and earned a full academic scholarship to Arizona State University. He then attended UND where he earned his masters degree and taught math classes. Next came the University of Oregon where he taught while he worked on his PhD in math. He was a kind and well-loved teacher. Established in his honor, the Patrick Durkin Memorial Scholarship will be given each year to one or more junior or senior students majoring in Mathematics.
The Joseph A Guzek Mathematics Scholarship
The Joseph A Guzek Mathematics Scholarship will be given to a junior or senior studying mathematics.
The Paige Plagge Scholarship
Paige Plagge was a kind and generous woman with a contagious smile and an unforgettable laugh. This endowment has been established by her family and friends as a lasting tribute to a young woman whose life was cut too short. It will forever continue the spirit and enthusiasm with which she pursued her career and ideals. The Paige Plagge Memorial scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding student majoring in mathematics.
The James Rue Mathematics Scholarship
Dr. James Rue is Professor Emeritus in the UND Mathematics Department. This scholarship is for a senior mathematics student at the University of North Dakota. This scholarship is for a period of no more than one academic year. Recipients should be chosen by the Mathematics Department.
The David Uherka Mathematics Scholarship
Dr. David Uherka is Professor Emeritus in the UND Mathematics Department. This scholarship is for a junior or senior student within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Dakota majoring in Mathematics with preference to a student who intends to teach mathematics at the secondary or college level and who has maintained a minimum 3.5 GPA.
The Judy Ann Utton Scholarship
The Judy Ann Utton Memorial Scholarship fund was established by her family. Judy Ann Utton received her BS degree in Mathematics in 1960. Judy was a lifelong supporter of UND and was proud to be an alumnus and member of its community. The Judy Ann Utton Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding mathematics student.
The Diana L. Wells Scholarship
The Diana L. Wells Memorial Scholarship fund was established by family, friends, and colleagues of Diana. She received her masters degree in mathematics from UND. She went on to get her Ph.D. in mathematics and returned to teach at UND. She was a co-writer of the National Science Foundation grant that secured funding for the initial startup costs of the Math Computer Lab. This scholarship is for students majoring in mathematics. Preference will be given to an undergraduate female mathematics major.
Future UND Students
The National Science Foundation awarded a grant to the University of North Dakota to support a scholarship program for students majoring in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, geography & GISc, mathematics, or physics & astrophysics.The Undergraduate Scholarship with Mathematics and Science Training in Environmental Research (US MASTER) offers financial support for up to 4 years (if renewal criteria are satisfied) covering tuition and fees with support of up to $10,000 a year depending on the financial aid eligibility and the selection/eligibility criteria. The application period is currently closed. Future opportunities will be posted when they are available.