The George Van Riper Fellowship is an endowed fellowship established in 1997 to honor the contributions made to the field of public finance by the late George Van Riper, a graduate of the Master of Public Administration degree program at Wichita State University and practitioner in public finance.  Fellowships are awarded to outstanding students seeking the Master of Public Administration degree and emphasizing public finance.

Guidelines

1. Applicants must be graduate students in full standing in the Master of Public Administration program at Wichita State University, enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Public Finance, and interested in pursuing a career in public finance.  Recipients who are full time students must enroll in a minimum of nine graduate credit hours each semester; a minimum of six graduate credit hours each semester if a part time student.  Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
   
2. Two fellowships are expected to be awarded annually.  The fellowship award will be equally divided between the fall and spring semesters.  An average academic year fellowship award totals $1,200.
   
3. Selection is based on undergraduate record, demonstrated leadership abilities, and potential for success in the field of public finance and public admiinistration.  Selection will be made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a veteran, or disability.
   
4. Recipients will be selected by the Director of the Kansas Public Finance Center in consultation with the Hugo Wall School Director and faculty. 
   
5. Applications are due April 1 in the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs to be considered for the following academic year.  Application materials include:  a completed application, a cover letter outlining the applicant’s interest in the fellowship award and career interests in public finance, a résumé, and three letters of recommendation.  These materials should be sent directly to:  Director, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs,  Wichita State University, 1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, Kansas  67260-0155.   For additional information, call  (316) 978-7240.