If you have questions about gifts to the Department of Psychology, contact:
Liz Bereit
Office of Strategic Gifts, Development Officer
College of Health and Behavioral Studies
bereitea@jmu.edu
540.568.8814
Sonner Hall, MSC 4406
All contributions are tax deductible.
Giving Opportunities
The Department of Psychology needs your help! Our department educates students, and contributes to, the science of psychology by producing a nationally-recognized psychology major program. Our curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in psychological science that reflects multiple perspectives within the discipline. Student engagement is a core tenant of our program. We promote active learning in the classroom and a large number of student research and service-learning opportunities. We train our students to be responsive to emerging trends and apply their knowledge of psychological science as responsible global citizens. Your tax-deductible contribution will help us develop these resources:
- Promote student and faculty innovation, scholarship, and professional development.
- Support psychology student research projects conducted at JMU.
- Develop scholarships for deserving students who might otherwise not be able to afford to enroll in our programs.
How to Contribute to the Department of Psychology
This scholarship provides financial assistance to a junior-level student who demonstrates through their activities the core leadership values of service, attitude, teamwork, and excellence. This scholarship is awarded to a student committed to serving the greater JMU Community and/or the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County communities.
This scholarship provides financial assistance to an outstanding senior-level undergraduate student majoring in psychology who has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in higher education in the field of psychology, or who has served as a teaching assistant in psychology while an undergraduate student. The Department of Psychology created this fund in recognition of Dr. James O. Benedict's thirty years of service to James Madison University.
A primary goal of this fund is to allow us to help students engage in research projects that substantially contribute to the field of psychology and are worthy of presentation at professional conferences. Each year, approximately 500 psychology majors participate in research with faculty, and about 15 complete their own research through Honors Thesis Projects. Department of Psychology Foundation funds are used to directly help students by defraying the cost of materials needed by students who conduct these projects and the expenses incurred by students who present this work at regional or national professional conferences.
This scholarship provides financial assistance to an outstanding Junior Psychology Major who not only has high academic achievement, but also, through their activities and aspirations, demonstrates a commitment to improving the human condition. This award is named after faculty member James J. Hart, a JMU Psychology Professor who made a career commitment to the outstanding teaching of psychology. One of his primary courses was History and Systems of Psychology, the precursor to our current capstone experience.
This scholarship honors and provides financial assistance to an outstanding senior-level psychology major who has exemplary involvement in the honors thesis program, vigor in research and service, excellence in academic achievement, and the intention to pursue graduate education in psychology. Dr. Eileen Nelson, a productive scholar in her own right, often supervised more Honors Thesis projects than any other faculty member on campus. She is also the founder of our Psychology Peer Advising program.
This scholarship recognizes distinguished academic performance and service to the university by a psychology major whose talents, skills, and abilities enable them to enrich the JMU community. An outstanding junior-level psychology major is selected to receive this award during their senior year. The scholarship was initiated by the Theta Nu Chapter of the Zeta Pi Beta Sorority, in honor of psychology major LeAnn Whitlock, a student at James Madison University from Roanoke, Virginia who was abducted in Harrisonburg and murdered on January 5, 1990.
An endowed scholarship established by Dr. Virginia Andreoli Mathie. The Mathie Scholarship will provide financial assistance to a fulltime rising senior majoring in psychology. Mathie Scholars will not only have an outstanding academic record but will also have demonstrated, through their activities, a commitment to collaboration through their service, research, or academic program of study. The award is named after Dr. Virginia Andreoli Mathie, who, as a psychology faculty member and Department Head of Psychology, endeavored to model and foster a spirit of collaboration and partnership in the department, across the JMU campus, and among teachers of psychology nationwide.
High-Impact Limited-Term (Non-Endowed) Scholarships
We welcome contributions that immediately and directly support students. These scholarships are usually be funded by a commitment to annual giving by one individual, family or organization. Upon request, the name of the fund can be designated by the contributors. Some examples include:
Casey Mitschele ('93) Dorsey Scholarship Fund for Undergraduate Psychology (15314) This scholarship provides financial assistance to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in psychology with an overall GPA of at least 3.25. This fund was initiated by Casey Mitschele Dorsey. Ms. Dorsey created this annual scholarship as a way to give back to her alma mater. Upon leaving JMU she entered the business world and has had a successful career in the banking industry.
Thomas E. ('84) and Sherry Woodroof ('82) Rogowski Scholarship Fund for Undergraduate Psychology (15679)
This scholarship provides financial assistance to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in psychology, with an overall GPA of at least 3.25. This fund was initiated by Thomas E. ('84) and Sherry Woodroof ('82) Rogowski. Sherry Rogowski is a triple Duke receiving her Psychology BS degree in 1982, M.Ed. and Ed.S in School Psychology in 1985 and 1988. Sherry now works in school psychology in North Carolina. Tom and Sherry are also proud members of the JMU Parents Council.
