Awards/Scholarships
Awards
The following awards are given to deserving students in the RPLS Department. The awards require that students have earned at least 90 credit hours toward graduation and will have completed all degree requirements by May, August, or December of the award year.
- Marcia K. Carlson Award, given for dedication to fostering high regard for people and the natural world through outdoor education.
- John A. "Jack" MacPhee Award, given to a recreation, parks and leisure studies scholar/athlete.
- Ralph S. Mauro Award, given for significant contributions in the area of therapeutic recreation.
- Harlan "Gold" Metcalf Award, our highest honor, given to a student exemplifying Metcalf qualities of "good scholarship, interest in many activities, high moral/ethical character, and dedication to serving people."
Scholarships
The following scholarships are specifically offered to students in the recreation, parks and leisure studies degree program. In addition, students may be eligible for other scholarships offered through the Admissions Office.
John A. MacPhee Scholarship
Established in honor of Professor Emeritus of Recreation Education John MacPhee, to support an approved internship or attendance at a national professional conference devoted to the leisure services profession. Award will be split evenly between the fall and spring semesters. Funding is based on availability.
For details on selection criteria and how to apply, visit this link
Jay '66 and Bettie Lee Yerka Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Recreation and Leisure Studies
Established by Bettie Lee Yerka in memory of her late husband, Jay Yerka ’66. This scholarship will be awarded to a non-traditional continuing student majoring in Therapeutic Recreation, who has completed sophomore or junior year.
For details on selection criteria and how to apply, visit this link.
New York State Home Bureau Award
The New York State Federation of Home Bureaus established this scholarship program in honor of Phyllis Doe, a past president of the organization. Presented to a student majoring in therapeutic recreation.
For details on selection criteria and how to apply, visit this link.
Joyce A. Gaus '60 Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to recognize in perpetuity the lifelong environmental interests and teaching career of devoted SUNY Cortland alumna, Joyce Ann Gaus ’60. Awarded to accepted students majoring in recreation, outdoor education or a closely related field.
For details on selection criteria and how to apply, visit this link.
Thomas L. Goodale '61 Community Service Scholarship
Established to honor Dr. Harlan Gold Metcalf by the colleagues of Dr. Thomas L. Goodale ‘61 for his many years of service to SUNY Cortland and its department of recreation, parks and leisure studies. A distinguished alumnus of Cortland and recipient of an honorary degree, Dr. Goodale made countless and significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation. The scholarship is given in recognition of SUNY Cortland’s department of recreation, parks and leisure studies’ central aspiration to community service since its inception in 1947.
For details on selection criteria and how to apply, visit this link.
John B. Knox Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Knox Family Foundation to recognize in perpetuity the values and interests of longtime supporter of SUNY Cortland’s Center for Environmental and Outdoor Education at Raquette Lake, John B. Knox. Awarded to an entering student majoring in outdoor education, recreation, or environmental studies and who is from the Adirondack Park region.
For details on selection criteria and how to apply, visit this link.
Theta Phi, Alpha Chapter Marjorie Dey Carter '50 Scholarship
Established by the sisters of the Theta Phi Sorority, Alpha Chapter to recognize the educational career of SUNY Cortland alumna and Theta Phi Sorority member Marjorie Dey Carter ’50. Available to a junior or senior SUNY Cortland student majoring in education, physical education, or recreation.
For details on selection criteria and how to apply, visit this link.