Dr. Walter Vernon was a professor of Psychology at Illinois State University from 1963 until his death in November, 1988. He was noted for teaching large sections of General Psychology, and for his love of writing. Friends and family wanted to honor Dr. Vernon with a scholarship that would be awarded to a student of similar abilities and interests.

Qualifications
1. Must be a full-time student majoring in psychology. This award is generally given to sophomore psychology majors'
2. Must have a 3.5 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 scale;
3. Must have received an A in PSY 111 or 110 (either course must be taken at Illinois State) and in an introductory writing class (ENG 101 or equivalent); and
4. Financial need is a factor for consideration.

Nomination and Application
Students are nominated by their general psychology instructor. Students will receive notification of their nomination by March 15th of their eligible year. Upon nomination, students should submit:

1. The application and a personal statement outlining the student's qualifications for the scholarship;
2. A current transcript; and
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the department's general psychology instructor.

Application materials must be received by April 15th of the nominated year.

Selection
The department's Awards Committee is responsible for awarding the Walter Vernon Scholarship in Psychology each year.

Stipend
Scholarships generally range from $300 to $900 each year. The number and amount of the scholarships will be determined by the department's Awards Committee. If the funds are unused in the income account, the funds can be carried over for the next year or transferred to the endowment account.

Distribution
The Walter Vernon Scholarship in Psychology is an endowment fund and the scholarships are to be made in perpetuity. The chairperson of the department is responsible for distributing the scholarship funds and for appropriate publicity related to the presentation of the scholarships.

Other consideration
The Walter Vernon Scholarship in Psychology fund is an "open" fund in the Illinois State University Foundation, which may be increased through additional contributions of cash, and may receive the proceeds from bequests, trusts, life insurance, real estate, and personal property. Additions to the fund shall be subject to the award conditions contained in these guidelines.