Giving
Your generous, tax-deductible support of the School of Kinesiology is more critical than ever. Gifts that fund scholarships and fellowships provide support for current and future students while easing the burden of tuition. They also enable the School to compete nationally and internationally for top students, enhancing our research, and strengthening our ability to develop partnerships with communities, schools, and organizations.
Your support gives our students the much-needed resources for growing knowledge and understanding in such areas as childhood obesity, health and wellness, the impact of sport on girls and women, and movement science.
Fellowship funds in action
Quote from Courtney Boucher
I’m honored to be given the opportunity to help contribute to the Tucker Center’s incredible and important research mission. I want to thank Pam Borton and Lynn Holleran in particular for their support and for being such incredible women leaders in sport who have paved the way for me and countless others.
Meet Courtney Boucher, the three-time recipient (2019, 2020, 2021) of the Pam Borton Endowment for the Promotion of Girls and Women in Sport Leadership. Thanks to the support of the Pam Borton Fellowship, Boucher has been able to actively participate in and advance initiatives for the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.
School of Kinesiology funds
Giving to a Kinesiology fund of your choice allows us to maintain our world-class institution by:
- enrolling and supporting the best and brightest students, regardless of financial circumstances
- attracting high-caliber faculty and providing them with the resources they need to perform critical research
- providing our students with access to the most up to date equipment and connecting our global network through cutting edge technology
- ensuring our students are at the forefront of their fields to shape the landscape of scholarship
Research
David and Janie Kane Endowed Tucker Center Director Fund [23222]
The purpose of the Fund is to support the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sports by providing ongoing support of the Director of the Tucker Center. The Donor's wish is for this Fund to assist the Dean and the Tucker Center in its efforts to promote strong leadership and to continue the research on girls and women in sports by providing flexible funding to support the director through salary costs or augmentation as well as other activities or projects of the director.
Contact: Susan Holter susan@umn.edu
Women and Sport Leadership [20374]
This fund provides a flexible source of financial support for Tucker Center research, and educational activities and community outreach in areas/issues that examine women and sport leadership. Funding may be used for a broad range of needs and purposes including, but not limited to, research and outreach program expenses, equipment, travel to conferences, lectures, symposia, and other such activities that support and promote this line of scholarship. Decisions on fund expenditures are made by the Tucker Center director in consultation with the co-director.
Contact: Nicole M. LaVoi nmlavoi@umn.edu
Media Coverage of Female Athletes [20355]
This fund provides a flexible source of financial support for Tucker Center research, educational activities and community outreach in areas/issues that examine media coverage of female athletes. Funding may be used for a broad range of needs and purposes including, but not limited to, research and outreach program expenses, equipment, travel to conferences, lectures, symposium, and other such activities that support and promote this line of scholarship. Decisions on fund expenditures are made by the Tucker Center director in consultation with the co-director.
Contact: Nicole M. LaVoi nmlavoi@umn.edu
Henry L Taylor-Arthur S Leon Professorship in Exercise Science and Health Enhancement [2891]
To provide funding for the establishment and operation of the above named position. Disbursements are made quarterly to the U's operating account based on the spending policies of the University of Minnesota Foundation.
Contact: Susan Holter susan@umn.edu
Tucker Center Research Fund for Gender Equity in Sport [8673]
The fund provides a flexible source of funding for critically-needed research in areas that address gender equity in sport and physical activity conducted through the auspices of the Tucker Center.
Background: The fund provides a flexible source of funding for critically-needed research in areas that address gender equity in sport and physical activity conducted through the auspices of the Tucker Center. It may be used for a broad range of research related needs and purposes. Such research may include, but is not limited to:
- Impact of critical media literacy training on girls' and women's self-perceptions—body image, body satisfaction and gendered beliefs of body ideals.
- Intersections among race, class, and gender as a means to understand the barriers preventing females from participating in physical activity (e.g., girls of color have more obstacles to participation in sports and physical activity than do white girls).
- Effective strategies and practices to challenge the routine sexualization of girls and women as it results in their objectification.
- Inequities related to gender norms along with an analysis on how to advocate for changes, not only in sport and physical activity, but in the larger gender order of society.
- Declines in the number of females in leadership positions in sport and physical activity organizations in the wake of Title IX.
Selection of research topics and recipients will be made by the Director of the Tucker Center in consultation with the co-director of the Tucker Center.
Contact: Nicole M. LaVoi nmlavoi@umn.edu
Equipment and resources
Kinesiology Sport Management Fund [21124]
This fund supports the School of Kinesiology's sport management program, which prepares students to learn about the exciting and multi-faceted business of sport.
Contact: Susan Holter susan@umn.edu
Tucker Center Operation Fund [4411]
Will be used for general operational needs of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.
Contact: Nicole M. LaVoi nmlavoi@umn.edu
Kinesiology International Education Fund [20658]
This fund supports School of Kinesiology initiatives through its students, faculty, research and teaching that seeks to enrich the quality of human life by expanding, applying, and disseminating the body of knowledge germane to physical activity, recreation, sport, and their applied systems.
Contact: Susan Holter susan@umn.edu
Kinesiology Strategic Initiatives Fund [20788]
This fund supports School of Kinesiology initiatives through its students, faculty, research and teaching that seek to enrich the quality of human life by expanding, applying, and disseminating the body of knowledge germane to physical activity, recreation, sport, and their applied systems.
Contact: Susan Holter susan@umn.edu
Girls and Women Sport Opportunities Fund in the Tucker Center [21171]
The purpose of this fund is to provide resources to fund opportunities for girls and women to participate in sport and physical activity. The funds can be used for research support, outreach , programming and development. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, funding travel, transpiration, facility rental, registration fees, tournament expenses, camp fees, equipment, and coach stipends. The fund will be housed in the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport under the direction of the Director, Associate Director, and a Program Affiliate who will have to distribute the funds and work with project partners. Documentation of fund expenditures, as well as research about the effects of providing sport opportunities to girls and women will be provided annually.
Contact: Chelsey Thul rodd0020@umn.edu
Jean K. Freeman Endowment for the Women Coaches Symposium [21306]
To support a Women Coaches Symposium for the Tucker Center, intended to be an annual event, to provide high quality educational programming and professional development, networking, community for women in the coaching profession as established by the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport under the direction of the Director and Associate Director. This fund will be used first to support the Jean K. Freeman Distinguished Keynote speaker, which is to honor Jean's legacy and her strong sense of education, athlete development, community service, giving back and mentoring young coaches. The priority of this fund is to support the keynote speaker and then any remaining funds can support the symposium.
Contact: Nicole M. LaVoi nmlavoi@umn.edu
Scholarships: Undergraduate
Frances Kidd Endowed Scholarship [5080]
About this fund
To provide scholarships to undergraduate students studying Kinesiology (formerly Physical Education students).
Distributed last cycle: $2,500
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Background: Frances Kidd received an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota in 1947, two years after she began teaching in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Fran’s innovative leadership and contributions to physical education in Minneapolis, the state of Minnesota, and at the national level, are immeasurable. She was instrumental in the development of the K-6 physical education curriculum guide in 1958, praised as innovative work in curriculum development. Teachers and administrators clearly recognized Fran Kidd's leadership in curriculum development. It was, however, in the area of girls' sports that thousands of female students recognized the impact she had upon their lives. When Fran began working with the Minneapolis Public Schools, the program for girls' athletics consisted of four sports (badminton, golf, swimming and tennis) and limited financial support. Fran worked with Giffy O'Dell, director of boys' athletics, and school district officials to "do what was best for boys and girls." She diligently worked to obtain additional funding for girls' athletics and the program advanced to include transportation, practice time at pools and golf courses, uniforms, and the addition of track and field, volleyball, cross-country, and gymnastics. Many University of Minnesota athletes came out of the interscholastic athletic program that Fran Kidd developed. In her work in physical education with the Minneapolis Public Schools, Fran hired many physical education graduates from the College of Education and Human Development because she was impressed with the quality of their background.
Application criteria: Undergraduate student award. Applicants must be students studying in Kinesiology. This scholarship is awarded based on financial need, undergraduate GPA, and proven potential, especially in a leadership role. Interested and eligible applicants must submit a letter of application describing their financial need and a personal statement addressing demonstrated leadership qualities and/or potential leadership and vision.
Selection process: Selection process administered by the School.
Selection committee: Director of Undergraduate Studies and Undergraduate Program Advisors.
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
Edith Mueller Memorial Fund [4266]
About this fund
The Edith Mueller Memorial Award seeks to reward participation and enthusiasm of undergraduate students pursuing a program in Sport Management, and to encourage students to further their involvement and deepen their commitment to this discipline. The award may be used to cover the costs of tuition, attendance at appropriate conferences, applicable research, and outreach activities. The award also provides funding for special lectures related to programs in sport management.
Distributed last cycle: $3,900
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Background: Edith “Edie” Mueller matriculated to the University of Minnesota in fall, 1979 and was a park and recreation major during the early 1980s until her untimely death in May of 1982. Her parents, Mildred and Van Mueller, in collaboration with the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, established a fitting memorial and tribute to the vitality and purposefulness of their daughter’s life.
Application criteria: Undergraduate student award. To be eligible, students must be majoring in sport management, have a minimum of a 2.70 overall GPA and a 3.40 GPA in major courses (a minimum of 9 semester credits in courses with an SMGT prefix), have at least one practical experience and have had some documented volunteer work in the helping professions.
Selection process: Selection of scholarship recipients or decisions related to the use of the funds for a special lecture shall be made by the Sport Management Program Coordinator.
Selection committee: Program Coordinator for Sport Management; Sport Management Advisor; Mike Mueller, or designee.
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
J Anna Norris Scholarship Fund [0496]
About this fund
A loan, gift or scholarship for promising students with financial need engaged in professional preparation in the School of Kinesiology.
Distributed last cycle: ~$4,000
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Background: Award named for J. Anna Norris, a female pioneer in teaching women's physical education at the University of Minnesota.
Application criteria: Applicants must be students accepted into, or enrolled in, a School of Kinesiology program which would likely lead to a career in college teaching or adult education in physical education and/or sport. Candidates will be evaluated based on academic aptitude, vocational promise, character, leadership, and financial need. The applicant should submit a personal statement/letter identifying the nature of financial need, with an attached copy of a current unofficial academic transcript.
Selection process: Eligibility for scholarships as herein provided shall be open to students in any class year, but preference shall be given to freshman entering the University of Minnesota directly from an accredited high school in the state of Minnesota.
Selection committee: Selection of recipients to be made by a special scholarship committee which will include at least the Director of the School of Kinesiology who shall serve as chair; two members of the teaching staff, to be appointed by the chair; and the Director of Bureau of Student Loans and Scholarships, who shall serve as executive secretary.
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
Scholarships: Graduate
Dorothy McNeill Tucker Fellowship Fund [6388]
Funding for graduate students working with the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sports. For the payment, partially or fully, of tuition, or as a stipend. The fellowship may be renewed annually to a recipient as long as they are gainfully working toward a degree and continues to meet the application criteria.
Distributed last cycle: $2,500
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Application criteria: Graduate student award. Recipient(s) of the award shall be a full-time graduate student(s) working toward a graduate degree in the College of Education and Human Development and working with faculty in the Tucker Center, be in good academic standing, and have exceptional potential in their field.
Selection process: Selection of student recipients will be carried out by the Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Kinesiology in consultation with the Director of the Tucker Center and the Department Chair.
Selection committee: Director of the Tucker Center; Director of Graduate Studies; and Department Director.
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
Roger W. and Ann T. Drinkwalter Fellowship for Nutrition Research [21752]
About this fund
Fellowships in nutrition research to be awarded to graduate students pursuing research on aspects of nutrition as an important context for critical factors related to health and wellbeing, including but not limited to movement and physical activity, healthy aging, overweight and obesity, health inequalities, and vascular health.
Distributed last cycle: $4,000
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Background: Roger W. Drinkwalter was born in Zumbro Falls, Minnesota, and raised on a farm. After beginning his undergraduate education at the Rochester Community College, he transferred to the University of Minnesota's College of Agriculture. He interrupted his education to join the USAF (then the Army Air Corp) during WWII, and was trained as a pilot. When his plane was shot down in 1945, he became a POW in Barth, Germany; later that year he was liberated.
Following the war, he returned to the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1946 with a B.S. in Dairy Production, and marrying Ann Thompson, his college sweetheart, the following year. Ann, who was born in 1923 in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, left her hometown to attend the University of Minnesota, where she majored in Dietetics, earning a B.S. from the College of Human Ecology (now the College of Education and Human Development, or CEHD) in 1945. After they married in 1947, the couple relocated to San Francisco, where Roger worked in the dairy industry in sales, subsequently moving to Fort Bragg, San Luis Obispo, and, finally, to San Diego, where they settled.
They raised two daughters, Julie and Jane, and Ann pursued her career as a hospital dietitian as well as multiple hobbies, including gardening, exercising, community building, and socializing with family and friends. Roger remained active with his fraternity, military, and other groups (including Rotary, MOAAA, Alpha Gamma Rho, Toastmasters, and the Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge), and after retiring from the dairy industry, Roger commenced a second successful career in the commercial and home mortgage industry. Following his (second) retirement, the couple traveled extensively, visiting many continents and exercising their curiosity about the world and taste for adventure. Roger's death in 2014 marked the end of a full, happy, active, and accomplished life, and a 66-year-long marriage with Ann that had brought them great joy.
Ann Drinkwalter has established this endowment as a continuing legacy to Roger's and her mutual, lifelong interest and professional dedication to food and nutrition related fields. This fellowship will support graduate students in CEHD who are pursuing research in nutrition as an important context for critical factors related to health and wellbeing.
Application criteria: To be eligible for consideration, the student shall be students who are:
- Full-time
- Graduate students
- Enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development
- Focus on nutrition research and are planning to pursue careers that focuses on nutrition in a variety of contexts, including movement and physical activity, healthy aging, overweight and obesity, health inequalities, and vascular health, and
- Are able to demonstrate financial need and academic merit.
Selection process: Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Education Committee (GEC)
Selection committee: Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Education Committee (GEC)
Contact: Jonathan Sweet sweet006@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
Edith Mueller Endowed Fund for Graduate Education in the Tucker Center [5216]
About this fund
The income from the fund will be used to support graduate education, including but not limited to graduate assistantships, research support, travel to conferences, and equipment.
Distributed last cycle: $18,000
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Application criteria: Graduate student award.
Selection process: Fund expenditures will be decided by the Tucker Center Director in consultation with the Department Director.
Selection committee: Tucker Center Director in consultation with the Department Director.
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
Tucker Center Graduate Fellowship for Gender Equity in Sport [8644]
About this fund
The Tucker Center Graduate Fellowship for Gender Equity in Sport provides funding for graduate fellowships in the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.
Distributed last cycle: $5,600
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Application criteria: Full-time graduate student enrolled in the School of Kinesiology affiliated with the Tucker Center and working toward a graduate degree; in good academic standing; with exceptional potential to further the mission and priorities of the Tucker Center; engaged in research related to their dissertation.
Selection process: Selection of recipients will be made in accordance with current selection procedures and will be conducted by the college and the Director of the Tucker Center who is responsible for the area of study based on the criteria selection.
Selection committee: Director of the Tucker Center, co-director of the Tucker Center, Tucker Center Administrative Assistant
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
Eloise M. Jaeger Scholarship at the Tucker Center [4449]
About this fund
To provide scholarships in the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. The Eloise M. Jaeger Scholarship was established to ensure that the best students in the nation are able to participate in significant education and research initiatives designed to improve the lives of girls and women, their families and their communities. This scholarship will provide an opportunity for young people to meet their educational and career goals, especially those students who might not otherwise have the financial means to further their aspirations.
Distributed last cycle: $5,000
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Background: Eloise M. Jaeger has set up this scholarship to support students through the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. It is a fitting tribute to the work that Dr. Jaeger did while she was working at the College of Education and Human Development, and the departments of Physical Education and Kinesiology. She has been a strong advocate for girls' and women's participation in sports, and was instrumental in the growth and recognition of physical education and women's sports for female students at the University and for the expansion of this program. When it comes to women's involvement in sport and physical activity, Professor Emeritus Eloise Jaeger was a pioneer. One powerful example of her pioneering spirit was her commitment to education, research, and community service. To honor that commitment, the Tucker Center established a scholarship in her name. The "Eloise M. Jaeger Scholarship" is one of the most far-reaching aspects of her legacy at the University. Eloise Jaeger began her involvement at the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate taking classes in physical education in preparation for a career in teaching. She received her M.Ed. In 1944 from the University of Minnesota and her Ph.D. in 1952 from the University of Iowa. Professor Jaeger taught women's physical education at Minnesota for many years and, in 1962, became the director of the Department of Physical Education for Women. In 1971 Jaeger was named the director of the School of Physical Education and became the first woman at an American college or university to have jurisdiction over both men's and women's physical education programs. She was a steadfast force behind the establishment of women's intercollegiate athletics and the increase in girls' and women's participation in all aspects of sport and physical activity. Dr. Jaeger passed away in 2007 but her legacy lives on through her commitment to girls and women in sport.
Application criteria: Undergraduate and graduate student award. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher and a major GPA of 3.40 or higher (minimum of 9 semester credits in courses offered through the School of Kinesiology). Eligible students must be working on education in areas related to girls and women in sport and physical activity, and provide written documentation of how and why this scholarship will advance their education. Students must submit an application form and a curriculum vitae or resume. Undergraduate: The award is designated for the applicant who is either currently working on or proposing to work on an educational or research project, or community outreach and public service in an area related to girls and women in sport and physical activity. The proposal paper should be a detailed description of the proposed project including the significance of proposed project outcomes, how the project contributes to the applicant's academic and professional goals, and a timeline for accomplishing the project (6-9 months). In addition, the award recipient must submit a 3-5 page summary report of accomplishment. Graduate: The award is designated for the applicant who is either currently working on or proposing to work on an educational or research project in an area related to girls and women in sport and physical activity. Examples include a dissertation, thesis, or M.Ed. Project. Applicants must submit an abstract (maximum length 500 words) related to the project under consideration.
Selection process: Selection of the individual(s) will be done through the Tucker Center Director.
Selection committee: Tucker Center Director, Tucker Center co-director, Tucker Center Administrative Assistant
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
Scholarships: All students
Linda M. Wells Future Coach Scholarship [24455]
About this fund
Provides financial support to students at the University of Minnesota studying towards the completion of any degree or certificate program focused on the study of physical activity and human movement or exercise science, and sport management, and who demonstrate an interest in becoming a future coach within the high school sport, collegiate sport or professional sport industry.
Distributed last cycle: No award last cycle
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Application criteria: Students are eligible to be considered for this award if they are:
- attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities;
- in the College of Education and Human Development;
- studying towards the completion of any degree or certificate program focused on the study of physical activity and human movement or exercise science, and sport management, and who demonstrate an interest in becoming a future coach within the high school sport, collegiate sport or professional sport industry.
- When possible, preference will be given to students who will enhance the diversity of the student body as described by the University. In evaluating student body diversity, after the eligible pool of candidates are selected, an additional consideration (plus factor) will be given for female students if they are underrepresented at the University or in the applicable major or program at the time of the award.
This award may be renewable to the recipient, provided the recipient demonstrates satisfactory progress toward a degree and continues to meet the criteria of the award.
Selection process: Pending
Selection committee: Pending
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
Bernard Nash Scholarship in Social Work Gerontology [22341]
About this fund
The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial support to students enrolled at the University of Minnesota according to the award guidelines and criteria listed below.
Distributed last cycle: new scholarship in the school in collaboration with the School of Social Work
Deadline: The scholarship application for awards funded in the 2025-26 academic year has not yet been made available. Please check back in mid-November, 2024.
Background: Dr. Bernard Nash earned his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota and was a pioneer in the field of gerontology. His illustrious career included serving as Executive Secretary to the Minnesota Governor's Council on Aging, Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Administration on Aging, and Executive Director of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). He also was a consultant to three White House Conferences on Aging. Dr. Nash will perhaps be remembered most for having conceived and organized the first Foster Grandparent Programs in the nation. Dr. Nash authored numerous journal articles and book chapters on aging and served in several voluntary roles, including President of the Episcopal Society for Ministry on Aging and Chairman of the Maryland State Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Nash was a Navy pilot in WWII and a retired Rear Admiral in the Naval Reserve. He was the Coordinator for Special Outreach in AARP's Worker Equity Department. While working in Washington, DC, he earned a Doctorate in Public Administration. In 1975, Dr. Nash receive the University of Minnesota Outstanding Achievement Award, which is the highest honor bestowed on a graduate of the University.
Application criteria: To be eligible for consideration, the students shall be:
- attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities,
- undergraduate or graduate degree seeking students,
- studying towards a degree in social work, gerontology/ageing, kinesiology or health.
- Preference will be given to first generation college students and/or military veterans.
This award may be renewable to the recipient, provided the recipient demonstrates satisfactory progress toward a degree and continues to meet the criteria of the award.
Selection process: pending
Selection committee: pending
Questions: Email kinschol@umn.edu
The 2024-25 scholarship application cycle is now closed. Please check back in late fall of 2024.
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Professor emeriti, Mary Jo Kane, PhD, is shown here, second from left with Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women Sport friends and colleagues who helped create the David and Janie Kane Endowed Tucker Center Director Fund.