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Every year, the McDonough Center awards many grants and prizes that recognize academic excellence and outstanding leadership development. The selection process varies based on specific criteria listed below. To learn more about each award, please send an email to lead@marietta.edu.

McDonough Scholarships and Grants

The Carl L. Broughton Leadership Scholarship

These scholarships were established by a generous gift to the College by the Bernard P. McDonough Foundation. Intended as a memorial to Carl L. Broughton, a trustee of Marietta College, who passed away in May, 1996, the scholarships are awarded annually to two incoming freshmen who meet the following criteria: membership in the McDonough Leadership Program with a minor in Leadership Studies or a major in Global Leadership, solid grade point average, and a record of service to the community.

Selection Process: Recipients are selected by the McDonough Awards Committee once they are accepted into the McDonough Leadership Program.

The Sherrill and Diana Drake Cleland Leadership Grant

This Scholarship was funded in 2000 by the fourteenth president of Marietta College, Dr. Sherrill Cleland. The award (a minimum of $250 per recipient) is to be used by McDonough Scholars pursuing the minor or major to defray expenses incurred to attend a relevant leadership conference, an approved internship, or a study-abroad experience focusing on leadership.

Selection Process: The recipient is selected by the McDonough Awards Committee in the spring semester.

The Robert and Sally S. Evans Civic Engagement Internship Grant

This award was created by Sally S. Evans in order to support the local nonprofit community. The award provides $4,000 for a student to complete a summer internship at a nonprofit organization in Marietta. The internship has to involve activities that directly benefit children in the area. The award is provided in two installments -- $2,000 for living expenses and $2,000 stipend (upon completion of a report).

Selection Process: The Office of Civic Engagement manages the selection process. For more information, please email OCE (ms010@marietta.edu) or drop by the OCE Office (McDonough 204).

The Ronald F. Carlson Experiential Education Endowment

This endowment is used to support experiential education activities of McDonough Scholars. Grants from this endowment are usually given to leadership students planning to attend the global conference of the International Leadership Association (ILA).

Selection Process: The call for applications go out in the fall semester. The McDonough Awards Committee chooses the recipients from the applications received.

McDonough Student Awards and Prizes

The Michael J. Conte Educator as Leader Award

This was established in 2005 by the Education Department and the McDonough Leadership Program to honor the memory of Michael Conte, an early childhood education major and McDonough Scholar. This award is given to an outstanding member of the junior class who is pursuing the leadership minor/certificate or the teacher leadership certificate and is majoring in Education.

Selection Process: The Education Department and McDonough Leadership Program meet once a year and decide on the award recipient.

The Sherrill Cleland Prize in Leadership

This prize was established by the Board of Trustees upon President Sherrill Cleland's retirement in 1989 to recognize Dr. Cleland's efforts to instill qualities and skills of leadership as a major component of Marietta College's educational program during his 16 years of personal leadership. It is given annually to the most outstanding of the graduating McDonough Scholars.

Selection Process: The McDonough Awards Committee chooses the recipient from senior McDonough Scholars.

The Outstanding First-Year McDonough Scholar

This prize is awarded annually to recognize first-year students in the McDonough Leadership Program who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to the values of the McDonough Leadership Program.

Selection Process: The recipients are selected by the McDonough Awards Committee from McDonough Scholars who are enrolled in LEAD 103 with a GPA of 3.8 or above.

The Outstanding Engineering Leadership Prize

This prize is awarded annually to recognize graduating seniors who excelled in the Engineering Leadership Certificate track.

Selection Process: The McDonough Awards Committee chooses the recipient from senior McDonough Scholars.

The Ohio Campus Compact Charles J. Ping Student Community Service Award

This Ohio Campus Compact (OCC) award was designed to recognize and honor undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service or service-learning on their campus and within their community. This award can be granted annually to one undergraduate per OCC member institution. Those nominated to be a Ping award winner for their campus will compete with other Ping nominees from across the state for a $500 mini-grant, to be given to the community partner of the Ping nominee. These four (4) grants are generously provided by Fifth Third Bank. Candidates should show evidence of exemplary community service during their time on campus or show evidence of exemplary service-learning during their time on campus.

Selection Process: The application form must be accompanied by the requested student essay and letter of nomination from the president of their college or university. The McDonough Center’s Director of Civic Engagement coordinates the selection process for Marietta College.