Scholarships and Awards

Each spring, the Department of Philosophy invites philosophy students to apply to the scholarships listed below. Applying online is quick & easy. One application allows qualified students to be considered for all three awards!

When applications open on Friday, April 12, 2024, click here to submit your application! 

Downing-Montague Scholarship for Philosophy, Healthcare, and Technology

The Downing-Montague Scholarship for Philosophy, Healthcare, and Technology is awarded to a student who shows promise and interest at the junctures of philosophy and healthcare (e.g., bioethics or philosophy of science with a focus on healthcare), or philosophy and technology (e.g., technology ethics, automated reasoning systems, etc.), or, ideally, philosophy, healthcare, and technology (e.g., automated reasoning systems in healthcare, bioethics with a focus on the implications of technology in healthcare, etc.). The amount awarded is $1,500. 

  • Applicants must be declared philosophy major, minor, or Politics/Philosophy/Economics majors at the time of application. 
  • Eligibility is restricted to students who are enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) for each quarter of the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded.
  • Preference is given to applicants pursuing an interest in philosophy and healthcare, philosophy and technology, or philosophy, healthcare, and technology.

"The scholarship is intended to honor the contribution professors Downing and Montague made to both my personal and professional life. It is their memory that has me continue to be actively engaged with the university. My hope is that this scholarship can provide for a student so that these types of memories can be replicated by and for others." - Simon Blackwell, class of 1984

Congratulations to Owen Montefisher, recipient of the 2023-2024 Downing-Montague Scholarship for Philosophy, Healthcare, and Technology!

Paul J. and Rebecca Anne Olscamp Philosophy Scholarship

The Paul J. and Rebecca Anne Olscamp Philosophy Scholarship was established in 1998 for students of high academic merit who are majoring in philosophy. Dr. Olscamp was president of Western Washington University from 1975 to 1982 and named distinguished service professor. His daughter, Rebecca Anne, graduated cum laude with a B.A. in 1982 and a M.B.A. in 1984. The amount awarded is $1,000. 

  • Applicants must be declared philosophy majors at the time of application.
  • Eligibility is restricted to continuing undergraduate students of junior or senior status who are enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) for each quarter of the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded.
  • Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better in philosophy courses. 

Congratulations to Max Stone, recipient of the 2023-2024 Paul J. and Rebecca Anne Olscamp Philosophy Scholarship!

Departmental Tuition Waiver Scholarship

The Department of Philosophy awards a tuition waiver each year. The amount awarded is $1,800, and may be divided among multiple students. 

  • Applicants must be declared philosophy majors at the time of application.
  • Eligibility is restricted to students who are enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) for each quarter of the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded.

Congratulations to Grace Denton and Ben Jakupcak, and Christina Notturno recipients of the 2023-2024 Departmental Tuition Waiver Scholarships!

DeNora Lombard Family Scholarship in Philosophy

DeNora (DeeDee) Lombard was the department manager of Philosophy at Western Washington University from 1975 to 2022. In 2022, DeeDee's first contribution to the Department's scholarships fund was awarded to a philosophy major of outstanding academic merit. 

The amount awarded is $1,500. 

  • Applicants must be declared philosophy majors at the time of application.
  • Must be a continuing undergraduate student of junior or senior status, enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) for each quarter of the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better in philosophy courses

Congratulations to Gray Bremrecipient of the 2023-2024 Philosophy Department Scholarship honoring DeNora Lombard and Family!

Click here to Apply Now!

U.S. citizenship is not an eligibility requirement to apply or receive scholarships