GVSU Excellence in a Discipline

• 3.5 GPA and 85 credit hours completed
• Involvement with campus/major activities
• Candidate will be chosen by Health and Physical Education faculty
• Awards Event takes place in April of each year

Selection criteria remain under the determination of each institution of higher education, but should include the following minimum criteria:

Junior standing

Minimum 3.0 GPA

Active membership in professional fraternity (e.g., Phi Epsilon Kappa)

Service to school or community for a minimum of two years during the undergraduate career

Nominees Must:

• Be a current SHAPE America member (nominees who are not yet members may still be nominated as long as a membership form is submitted within one month of nomination).
• Be on track toward a degree in an HPERD field.
• Be a junior or senior.
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, on a 4.0 scale.
• Provide a service to school or community (3-5 contributions) for a minimum of two years during undergraduate career.

Since 1995, SHAPE America has awarded scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate student members majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation or dance. The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, developed by the past presidents of SHAPE America to honor deserving students, is awarded to three undergraduate students and two graduate students in January of each year. All scholarships are presented at the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo held in the spring.

Undergraduate awards are $1,250 each and graduate awards are $1,750 each. Recipients also receive a complimentary three-year SHAPE America membership.