Information for the
BLANCHE KELSO BRUCE SCHOLARSHIP IN AFRICANA STUDIES
Established 2006
The Blanche Kelso Bruce Scholarship in Africana Studies is available through the University of
Central Missouri Foundation for an undergraduate student pursuing an individualized major or
minor in Africana Studies. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from Rob
Madden, ’05, of Lenexa, Kansas.
SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND:
Mr. Madden has created this scholarship in honor of his great, great, great uncle, Blanche Kelso
Bruce. Senator Bruce was the first African American legislator to serve a full term in the United
States Senate—born in Virginia, he served on behalf of the state of Mississippi. His legacy
remains one that Mr. Madden would like to honor through this scholarship award for a UCM
student studying Africana Studies.
Further information from the United States Congress website:
Blanche Kelso Bruce: a Senator from Mississippi; born in slavery near Farmville, Prince Edward
County, Va., March 1, 1841; was tutored by his master’s son; left his master at the beginning of
the Civil War; taught school in Hannibal, Mo.; after the war became a planter in Mississippi;
member of the Mississippi Levee Board; sheriff and tax collector of Bolivar County 1872-1875;
elected as a Republican to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1875, to March 3,
1881; was the first African American to serve a full term in the United States Senate; appointed
Register of the Treasury by President James Garfield 1881; recorder of deeds for the District of
Columbia 1891-1893; again Register of the Treasury from 1897 until his death in Washington,
D.C., on March 17, 1898; interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.
CRITERIA:
To apply, a student must:
a. be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at UCM;
b. be pursuing an individualized major or minor in Africana Studies;
c. have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.75;
d. show promise of leadership and service.
10/08
Page 1 of 3
-- Keep information pages of this scholarship application for your reference --
Blanche Kelso Bruce Scholarship in Africana Studies
Scholarship Application
SELECTION PROCESS:
1.
The recipient(s) of the Blanche Kelso Bruce Scholarship in Africana Studies will be
recommended by a selection committee designated by Chair, Department of History and
Anthropology and the head of the Africana Studies Program. Recipient(s) shall be
approved by the UCM Scholarships and Awards Officer.
2.
The application must be delivered or postmarked by March 1. Recipient(s) shall be
announced by May 15 of any given year.
3.
The Selection Committee, with the approval of the Executive Director of the Foundation,
will annually establish the number and award amount, provided adequate funds are
available. In a given year, the Selection Committee may exercise the option of making
no selection.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Applications must be delivered / postmarked by March 1 to:
Department of History and Anthropology
Attn: Blanche Kelso Bruce Scholarship in Africana Studies
University of Central Missouri
Wood 136
Warrensburg, MO 64093
10/08
Page 2 of 3
-- Keep information pages of this scholarship application for your reference --
Application for the
BLANCHE KELSO BRUCE SCHOLARSHIP IN AFRICANA STUDIES
1. Name ___________________________________________ UCM student ID# ____________________________
2. Permanent address _____________________________________________________________________________
street
____________________________ ________________ _________________ ______________________________
city
state
zip code
county
3. High school attended _______________________ ___________________ ______________ __________________
name of school
city
4. Phone Number (___________) ________________________
state
county
Campus phone _____________________________
5. Local or campus address ________________________________________________________________________
6. E-mail address ________________________________________________________________________________
7. Major __________________________________________
Minor _____________________________________
8. Cumulative GPA _________________________________
GPA in major _______________________________
9. Estimated date of graduation ___________ __________
month
year
10. Attach a list of campus and community organizations to which you belong. List leadership roles when applicable.
11. Attach a brief statement (approximately 300 words) of your professional goals as they relate to this scholarship.
Be sure to include your plans and aspirations for the future.
12. Attach a current transcript. An unofficial transcript may be printed (free of charge) from the student portal
at https://www.ucmo.edu/portal.
10/08
REFERENCES: Do not list family members.
1. Name __________________________________________
Relationship ________________________________
Phone Number __________________________________
E-mail _____________________________________
2. Name _________________________________________
Relationship ________________________________
Phone Number __________________________________
E-mail _____________________________________
UNDERSTANDING OF ACCEPTANCE: If I am selected as a recipient of this scholarship, I understand that I must meet
the criteria as outlined in this application at the beginning of the semester in which the scholarship is to be applied to my
student account. If my status should change before/during the academic year, I understand that I must notify the Department
to which this application has been submitted. I further understand that a change in my status may affect my eligibility and
the application of the scholarship to my student account.
_______________________________________________
Signature
___________________________________________
Date
Applications must be delivered / postmarked by March 1 to:
Department of History and Anthropology ▪ University of Central Missouri ▪ Wood 136 ▪ Warrensburg, MO 64093