TUITION, LOANS & SCHOLARSHIPS

All applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards out of our general scholarship fund upon submitting an online application. These scholarships can range from $5,000 per year to full tuition. The average scholarship award for recent recipients was approximately half of tuition costs.

Selection criteria for scholarships are the same criteria considered in the admissions decision. They include academic, professional and personal achievements and potential for excellence in a management career as demonstrated by length and quality of post-baccalaureate work experience, GPA, GMAT/GRE scores and the admissions interview.

Dean’s Scholars

Each year, the Dean of the Owen Graduate School of Management offers the Dean’s Scholar award to a small number of individuals in the entering class. The Dean’s Scholars are selected based on their vast experiences, personal attributes and commitment to excellence, which will drive them to effectively lead, serve and implement positive change in the Vanderbilt Owen community. Dean’s Scholars are expected to strengthen the value of the program and inspire their classmates to excel.

There is not a separate application process. The Admissions Committee will nominate applicants based on the application for admission to the MBA program. Dean’s Scholars are admitted applicants with outstanding academic credentials, significant post-baccalaureate experience, well-defined career goals, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and strong leadership potential.

During the school year, Dean’s Scholars are invited to special programming and regularly scheduled sessions with senior management. While it is an honor to be a recipient of the Dean’s Scholar award, it is also a commitment. Dean’s Scholars are expected to participate in activities not open to the general student body and to work with the administration to improve the school community.

Dean’s Scholars receive these unparalleled opportunities:

• Leave a legacy serving as a sounding board for the Dean on strategic initiatives
• Receive unmatched access to key alumni, board members, corporate visitors and speakers during special events
• Enjoy special programming, including retreats and dinners with fellow Dean’s Scholars, the Dean, faculty and administration
• Receive paid travel with the Dean or administration on key recruiting or admissions visits, or partial sponsorship of an international trip
• And much more!

Ingram Scholar Award

The Ingram Scholar distinction is one of the most prominent awards at Owen. These outstanding MBA candidates are among a select group of individuals with exceptional academic abilities, substantial professional experience, excellent personal qualities and strong leadership potential.

Ingram Scholars are invited to our annual Dean's Scholar Weekend to meet other prominent named scholar award winners. During the weekend, candidates have the opportunity to interact extensively with the Dean, faculty, alumni and other members of the Owen community.

The business world knew E. Bronson Ingram as founder and head of Ingram Industries, Inc., one of the largest and most successful privately held companies in the United States. The community knew him as a dedicated leader and generous philanthropist. Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt Cancer Center knew him as a great friend. Mr. Ingram joined the University Board of Trust in 1967 and served as its president from 1991 until his death from cancer in 1995. During that time, he also chaired The Campaign for Vanderbilt, which raised $560 million for the university, including a donation from Mr. Ingram earmarked for cancer research at Vanderbilt.

Diversity Scholarships

In addition to general scholarships, incoming students may be selected for diversity scholarships and/or named scholarships and awards. The Admissions Committee nominates outstanding incoming students for the awards listed below. Only the Forté Fellowship and the Diversity Scholarship—Underrepresented Minorities require a candidate to submit an essay. Priority consideration is given to applicants who apply by our January application deadline.

Diversity Scholarship—Underrepresented Minorities

These scholarships are awarded based on the degree to which an individual demonstrates how he or she has supported the academic, personal or professional advancement of underrepresented minorities (individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and are of African American, Native American, Hispanic American or Pacific Island American descent).

To be considered, you must submit an essay (no more than 250 words) describing the most relevant experiences that qualify you for this award. The essay may be submitted along with the other essays in the online application. These scholarships range from $10,000 to full tuition per academic year (in addition to any other potential merit scholarship up to, but not to exceed, full tuition).

Forté Fellowships for Women

We offer Forté Fellowships ranging from $10,000 to full tuition per academic year (in addition to any other potential merit scholarship, up to but not to exceed, full tuition). Nominees are chosen based on the following criteria:

• Candidates should exhibit exemplary leadership in one or more ways: academic leadership, team leadership, community leadership and creative leadership.
• Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to women and girls via personal mentorship or community involvement. Such commitment is in alignment with the mission of the Forté Foundation.
• Nominees will represent diverse educational and work backgrounds, career goals, ethnicities and citizenships.

To be considered for a Forté Scholarship, please submit an essay describing the most relevant experiences that qualify you for this award. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by the January application deadline.

National Black MBA Association Scholarship Program

The National Black MBA Association provides financial support to students pursuing careers in business, academia and related professions. Since its inception, more than $5 million has been awarded to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. Their mission is to identify and increase the pool of black talent for business, public, private and non-profit sectors. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. However, award amounts are contingent upon funding for the current year.

Reaching Out MBA Fellowship

The Reaching Out MBA Fellowship was created as a joint effort between top business school programs, including Vanderbilt University, and Reaching Out, with the goal of developing business leaders of tomorrow. This fellowship provides recipients with opportunities to become leaders in business and to promote the mission of Reaching Out MBA by empowering MBA students to become professionals who will lead the way to equality in business education, in the workplace and throughout society. Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management will provide up to two fellowships of a minimum amount of $10,000 per academic year (in addition to any other potential merit scholarship up to, but not to exceed, full tuition).

All MBA applicants are eligible to apply for the Reaching Out MBA Fellowship (ROMBA), regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Various factors are evaluated when assessing scholarship applicants including:

• A proven track record of leadership and community involvement
• Strong academic achievement
• Work/efforts for the betterment of the LGBTQI community

Upon consent, awarded fellows' names will be shared with ROMBA. The fellowship is not transferrable to another school. Benefits of the fellowship include:

• Admissions-free access to ROMBA events, including the annual LGBTQA MBA Conference
• A small subsidy to attend the annual summer Leadership Forum
• Special programming, including LGBTQA Treks, Community Outreach initiatives and special topics summits
• Access to ROMBA corporate partners and corporate mentorship program

To apply for the Reaching Out MBA Fellowship, please submit an essay that explains your interest in this fellowship, focusing on your involvement with community service or other outreach activities to promote acceptance of, and equality for, the LGBTQA community.

Scholarships for Native American Candidates

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) helps students move forward in their educational journeys by providing a wide range of programs and scholarship opportunities. AISES scholarships help students acquire skills and training that will help them meet the unique STEM needs of our communities.

The Point Foundation—LGBTQI Scholarship

The Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQI students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential—despite the obstacles often put before them—to make a significant impact on society.

Toigo MBA Fellowship

The Toigo MBA Fellowship provides minority MBA candidates committed to careers in finance (including JD/MBA, Masters in Real Estate and Masters in Finance) with an unmatched network of contacts, a prestigious point of difference in the eyes of employers, one-on-one career guidance, leadership training, a merit award—and more. Toigo Fellowships are awarded the spring prior to the start of business school. Each class includes 50+ of the most exceptional minority candidates from a mix of schools nationwide.

Diversity of Citizenship Scholarships for Foreign Nationals

These scholarships are awarded to citizens of countries other than the United States, based on both academic merit and the degree to which the individual demonstrates how he or she can enhance the learning experience of other students in the Vanderbilt MBA program.

Owen Sponsored Scholarships

Accelerator Alumni Scholarships

We award up to two $5,000 scholarships per academic year to graduates of Owen’s Accelerator program.

The Commodore Award

This award covers partial tuition to Vanderbilt University graduates who return to pursue their MBA at Owen.

Endowed Scholarships

Amy and John Underwood Family Scholarship

The Amy and John Underwood Family Scholarship fund was established in 2010 by Amy and John P. Underwood, MBA 1998, to provide scholarship support based on academic merit to students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. Preference is given to students who focus on Finance.

Amy Jorgensen Scholarship

The Amy Jorgensen Scholarship was established in 1990 by Mrs. Amy Jorgensen Conlee, MBA 1977, OGSM Class of 1977 Founder's Medalist, and her husband, Vanderbilt University Trustee emeritus Cecil D. Conlee, B.A. 1958, to provide merit-based scholarship support to female MBA students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Anderson Family Scholarship

The Anderson Family Scholarship was established in 2000 by the Rose-Marie and Jack Anderson Foundation to provide merit-based scholarship support to students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established to honor the longtime support of the Anderson family and their affiliation with the Owen Graduate School of Management.

Billings Family Scholarship

The Billings Family Scholarship was established in 2004 by Eric and Marianne Billings to provide merit-based scholarship support to students enrolled at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Brockenborough Family Scholarship

The Brockenborough Family Scholarship was established in 2011 by Bruce Paxton Brockenborough (EMBA 2001) to provide financial support for deserving students enrolled in the Executive MBA (EMBA) Program at the Owen Graduate School of Management.

Bruce D. Henderson Scholarship

The Bruce D. Henderson Scholarship was established in 1985 by The Boston Consulting Group, with additional support provided by Mrs. Bess W. Henderson, to provide scholarship grants for deserving rising second-year students who, during their first year, exhibited brilliance, originality of thought and thoroughness of investigation at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established to honor the memory of Bruce Doolin Henderson, B.E. 1937, founder and chairman of The Boston Consulting Group. It was the desire of The Boston Consulting Group to honor Bruce Henderson for his achievements in the business world, his ingenuity and commitment to excellence, which played a key role in many of The Boston Consulting Group's most influential ideas, including the experience curve and the portfolio concept.

Carin and Todd Barth Scholarship

The Carin and Todd Barth Scholarship fund was established in 2009 by Carin M. Barth, MBA 1986, and Todd Francis Barth, JD/MBA 1988, to provide scholarship support to deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management.

Chad White Scholarship in Entrepreneurship

In FY2017, Chad B. White, MBA 1998, established the Chad White Scholarship in Entrepreneurship. The donor established the fund to provide financial support for deserving second-year MBA students at the Owen Graduate School of Management who are interested in entrepreneurship. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have a business concept or idea or must have already started a business. This scholarship is to support students who have an interest in entrepreneurship and are exhibiting leadership by creating collaborative solutions.

Dean Samuel B. and Evelyn R. Richmond Scholarship

The Dean Samuel B. and Evelyn R. Richmond Scholarships were established in 2004 by David B. Ingram, MBA 1989, and John R. Ingram, MBA 1986, to provide financial assistance for deserving first-and/or second-year students who meet the requirements of merit scholarship recipients enrolled at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. Preference will be given to qualified students who need financial assistance. The fund was established to honor the distinguished legacy of leadership and service of former Dean Samuel B. Richmond, who transformed the Owen Graduate School of Management from a small regional graduate school of business into one of the nation's best. He came to Vanderbilt as dean of Owen in 1976 and retired in 1986. During the 10 years he was dean, the student body grew from 80 students to 400; the faculty increased from seven to 40 and the curriculum was transformed from one emphasizing a behavioral approach to management to one based on strong core courses that relied on proven educational methods. Samuel B. Richmond died in 2003.

Douglas W. Binns Memorial Scholar

The Douglas W. Binns Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1985 by Mrs. Josephine Binns, B.S. 1930, to provide scholarship support to an outstanding student studying marketing at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established in memory of Mrs. Josephine Binns' late husband, Douglas W. Binns.

E. Bronson Ingram Scholarship

The E. Bronson Ingram Scholarship fund was established in 2007 by David B. Ingram, MBA 1989, to provide financial support for outstanding students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. The scholarships are designed to recognize E. Bronson Ingram, one of the nation's most distinguished business leaders and former chairman of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust from 1991 until his death in 1995.

Edmund B. Fitzgerald Scholarship in Global Competitiveness

The Edmund B. Fitzgerald Scholarship in Global Competitiveness was established in 2013 through the bequest of Edmund B. Fitzgerald to support deserving graduate students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. It was determined that this scholarship should be awarded to a second-year student who, during his or her first year at the Owen Graduate School of Management, exhibits an extraordinary grasp of the principles of global competitiveness.

Edna B. Morris and John A. Morris Scholarship

The Edna B. and John A. Morris Scholarship fund was established in 1985 through the estate of John A. Morris to provide scholarship support to deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. The scholarship was established in honor of Edna and John A. Morris, a stockbroker and early leader of the modern investment industry. The Morris family also has a longstanding history with American thoroughbred racing. Mr. Morris was president for many years of the Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Elinor Böer Scholarship

The Elinor Böer Scholarship fund was established in 2008 by Professor Germain Böer to provide scholarship support for deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. The purpose of this scholarship shall be to attract those talented students who display a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Specifically, it may be awarded to students who wish to build their own companies or business enterprises while earning an MBA degree. Professor Emeritus Germain Böer, B.S., MBA., PhD., arrived at Owen in 1977 and served as professor of management and as interim dean ('86-'87). He has received awards for his teachings, writings, and business advocacy, and has made Owen a hub for entrepreneurial activity in the region with his specialized focus on entrepreneurship. Professor Böer tirelessly supported the Owen Graduate School of Management and its students, and established this fund in memory of his beloved wife, Elinor.

Frank M. and Ann S. Bumstead Scholarship

The Frank M. and Ann S. Bumstead Scholarship was established in 2004 by Frank M. Bumstead, MM 1972, to provide merit-based scholarship support to deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. Preference should be given to a student from West Texas (west of Ft. Worth). Secondary preference should be given to students from Texas.

Germain Böer Seed Scholarship in Entrepreneurship

The Germain Böer Seed Scholarship in Entrepreneurship was established in 2009 by Eric J. Hall, MBA 1978, to provide scholarship support to students enrolled at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt who indicate an interest in Entrepreneurship. The scholarship was created to recognize Professor Emeritus Germain Böer, who launched the Center for Entrepreneurship at Owen. Professor Böer was a champion for those interested in taking a different career path and pursuing the challenge of ntrepreneurship. The inclusion of the word "seed" in the name is important as most entrepreneurs receive seed funding to launch their ventures. It is up to them to take that seed funding and create enough value to raise the next round of funding. Eric J. Hall hopes that the scholarship will provide the seed funding to launch the career of the next Owen entrepreneur.

Greg Shipe Memorial Fund

The Greg Shipe Memorial Fund was established in 2006 by Dr. and Mrs. Bruce V. Shipe to provide scholarship support for deserving graduate students enrolled in the MBA program at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. Preference in awarding should be given to students who, like Greg, began the program after several years of work experience. Greg Shipe, MBA 2004, flourished during his time at Owen. The fund was established to commemorate Greg's life and alleviate some of the financial burden of students who demonstrate a commitment to both their peers and to Owen, similar to Greg.

Hans R. Stoll Scholarship

The Hans R. Stoll Scholarship was established in 2010 by Mabel M. Chan and Thomas S. Y. Ho to provide scholarship support to deserving students enrolled at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. The scholarship was established to celebrate Professor Hans R. Stoll's 30th year at Owen. Preference in awarding will be given to students whose intended concentration is finance.

Hawkins Scholarship

The Hawkins Scholarship fund was established in 2010 by Mr. John David Hawkins, MBA 1992, to provide scholarship support for deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Henry D. Jamison Scholarship Fund

The Henry D. Jamison Scholarship Fund was established in 1952 by Henry D. Jamison, Jr., to provide scholarship support for students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Ingram Scholarships at OGSM

The Ingram Scholarship Fund at OGSM was established in 2003 through the Ingram Charitable Fund to provide scholarship support to students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Innovation in Leadership Scholarship

The Innovation in Leadership Scholarship was established in 2013 by William Douglas Parker, Jr., MBA 1986, to provide financial support for deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. The fund was established in honor of Dean James W. Bradford, JD 1973, who while dean, created and developed the Leadership Development Program at the Owen Graduate School of Management. It is the donor's preference that the scholarship be awarded to well-rounded students who enter the MBA program with non-business undergraduate degrees. Examples of such degrees could include, but are not limited to, liberal arts, humanities, foreign languages, marketing and economics.

J.C. Bradford Scholarship

The J. C. Bradford Scholarship was established in 2001 by Mr. James Cowden Bradford, Jr., to provide merit-based scholarship support to students enrolled at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. The recipient of this scholarship is to be chosen by the Dean and Office of Academic Affairs.

J. Dewey Daane Endowed Scholarship Fund

The J. Dewey Daane Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 by multiple donors to provide merit-based scholarship support to a second-year MBA student with exemplary academic credentials who has a demonstrated interest in international management at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This scholarship honors J. Dewey Daane for significant contributions to the Owen Graduate School of Management from 1974 to 1989 as the Frank K. Houston Professor of Finance and Valere Blair Potter Professor of Management. In addition to teaching, J. Dewey Daane also has had a distinguished career in government, including 35 years of combined service with the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. Treasury Department.

James R. Gordon Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Leadership

The James R. Gordon Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Leadership was established in 2000 by Aspect Communications Corporation to provide an award to a deserving Owen MBA student who seeks to pursue the field of telecommunications and electronic commerce (TEC) or other such fields that, in the future may be the successor focus areas to that of TEC at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. Aspect Communications Corporation made this donation in honor of James R. Gordon, MBA 1976, founder, president and CEO of TCS Management Group, Inc. TCS developed and sold workforce management software systems for call centers. Aspect, also a leader in the call center market, purchased TCS in 1995.

John Ingram Associates Scholarship

The John Ingram Associates Scholarship was established by John R. Ingram, MBA 1986, to provide financial support for deserving students enrolled at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt. A former member of the Vanderbilt Board of Trust, Mr. Ingram served on the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Phase 1 Building Campaign, on the National Commodore Club Board of Directors and as a member of the Shape the Future Campaign Steering Committee for Athletics.

Lisa Froeb Scholarship

The Lisa Froeb Scholarship was established in 2011 by Professor Luke M. Froeb, associate professor of management at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management, to provide financial support for deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. With this gift, Luke M. Froeb wants to recognize all those who learned to think clearly by taking economics at Owen and to encourage others to become clear thinkers by taking economics at Owen.

Mark A. Tillinger Scholarship

The Mark A. Tillinger Scholarship was established in 2007 by Mark A. Tillinger, B.A. 1981, MBA 1982, to provide need-based scholarship support to deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Martin S. Geisel Memorial Scholarship

The Martin S. Geisel Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999 by multiple donors to provide scholarship support to a deserving Latin American student enrolled in the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established in memory of Marty Geisel, former dean of Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management, and to honor the development of Owen's international curriculum and international study body during his tenure.

Max Adler Scholarship

The Max Adler Scholarship was established in 2007 to provide financial support to students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. Originally this fund was named the Max Adler Student Investment Fund and was established in 1982 by Mrs. Mimi Adler to provide students in the finance association at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management the opportunity to learn about investing in a very practical way. Through the success of investments made by the students over the years, the fund grew to a level that could support the creation of an endowed scholarship in Mr. Max Adler's name.

Melinda Owen Bass Scholarship

The Melinda Owen Bass Scholarship was established in 1996 through a bequest from Lulu Hampton Owen to provide merit-based scholarship support to deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Owen's daughter, Melinda Owen Bass. The Owen Graduate School of Management is named after Ralph "Peck" Owen, B.A. 1928, and his wife, Mrs. Lulu Hampton Owen.

OGSM Scholarships

The OGSM Scholarships fund was established in 1979 by multiple donors to provide need-based scholarship support to students enrolled in the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Peter E. Veruki Scholarship

The Peter E. Veruki Scholarship fund was established in 2012 by multiple donors to provide scholarship support for deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established in honor of former staff member Peter E. Veruki and to recognize all he has done for Owen. Preference is given to students with an interest in finance.

Ralph Owen, Jr., Scholarship

The Ralph Owen, Jr., Scholarship was established in 1996 through a bequest from Lulu Hampton Owen to provide merit-based scholarship support to deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Owen's son, Ralph Owen, Jr. The Owen Graduate School of Management is named after Ralph "Peck" Owen, B.A. 1928, and his wife, Mrs. Lulu Hampton Owen.

Reita Nirankari Agarwal Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is to support a Vanderbilt University MD candidate who is pursuing the joint MD/MBA degree at the Owen Graduate School of Management. The recipient should demonstrate commitment to serving the community or underserved populations. The scholarship is dedicated to Satguru Mata Sawinder Hardev Ji of the Universal Brotherhood-Nirankari Mission. The donor's desire is for this fund to promote the bridging of humanity piece by piece for a “World Without Walls” and to help young gifted future medical graduates who have helped those who are less fortunate. 

Richard S. Weinberg Memorial Scholarship

The Richard S. Weinberg Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 by the Richard S. Weinberg Charitable Foundation and multiple donors to provide need-based scholarship support for deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding second-year student concentrating in finance. This fund was established in memory of Richard S. Weinberg, B.A. 1983, MBA 1985, who passed away in 1994. Richard was a member of the Owen Alumni Association Board of Directors and worked tirelessly on behalf of the school in the New York financial community before his untimely death.

Selby and Richard McRae Family Foundation Scholarship

The Selby and Richard McRae Family Foundation Scholarship was established in 2013 by Ronald D. McRae III, MBA 2005, and the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation to provide need-based scholarship support to deserving students at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. It is the Donors' preference that the fund support MBA students that are United States citizens concentrating in marketing, finance or entrepreneurship who will advance the Owen Graduate School of Management as a premier business program.

The Sagebrush Fund Scholarship

The Sagebrush Fund Scholarship was established in 2011 by Dale Kussic Leo, MBA 2005, and Wesley Eugene Murry, MBA 2006, to provide scholarship support to deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management.

The Taylor Force Memorial Scholarship

In FY2016, an anonymous donor established the Taylor Force Memorial Scholarship. The donor established the fund to provide financial support for deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. First preference in awarding is given to qualified students at the Owen Graduate School of Management who are graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Second preference in awarding is given to qualified students at the Owen Graduate School of Management who are graduates of the United States Air Force Academy or the United States Naval Academy. This scholarship was created in memory of Taylor Allen Force, who died tragically in a terrorist attack while on a school-sponsored trip in conjunction with his MBA studies at Vanderbilt. 

Thomas J. Hammond Scholarship

In 2014, Cheryl Hammond established the Thomas J. Hammond Scholarship to provide need-based financial support for deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. Donor wishes to provide this scholarship to an MBA student who would not be able to attend Owen Graduate School of Management without this financial assistance. First preference in awarding will be for a male student who is a U.S. citizen. Second preference will be for a female student who is a U.S. citizen. Cheryl Hammond established the fund to commemorate the distinguished career of Thomas “Tom” Hammond, MBA 1976. After graduation from Vanderbilt University, Tom entered the grain business as a young trainee, ultimately joining Columbia Grain in 1978 as part of the original management team. At Columbia Grain, Tom was involved in many merchandising and trading functions, and became CEO and President serving in such capacity from 2000 until his untimely demise in 2013. Under Tom’s skillful leadership the company thrived and became a substantial exporter of U.S. grain from the Pacific Northwest. Throughout his long and productive career, Tom took the time to mentor many young professionals, both at Columbia Gran and in the grain business in general. It is the goal of this scholarship to continue that legacy in his memory.

Tse-Liang Soong Scholarship Fund

The Tse-Liang Soong Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by Mrs. Maying His Soong to provide scholarship support to students studying in the field of international finance or banking at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. Mrs. Soong established this fund in memory of her late husband, Tse-Liang Soon, Class of 1921.

Victor and Gayle Mavar Scholarship

The Victor and Gayle Mavar Scholarship was established in 2003 by Geoffrey Mavar, MBA 1990, Victor Mavar, Sr., and Gayle Mavar to provide financial support for deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. The recipient of the scholarship should be a student who has a learning disability and who is a graduate of a high school in Mississippi. In considering prospective students, the first priority should be given to students with dyslexia. Second priority should be given to students with sight or hearing impairment. A student who satisfies this preference will then be selected on the basis of the criteria outlined in the agreement signed by the donors and Vanderbilt in 2003. This fund was established to recognize and enhance special support that the Owen School gives to students with learning disabilities.

Virginia Banks and Fred W. Lazenby Honor Scholarship

The Virginia Banks and Fred W. Lazenby Honor Scholarship was established as an annually funded scholarship in 1995 by Fred 'Ted' W. Lazenby, B.A. 1954, and Virginia 'Gigi' Banks Lazenby, B.A. 1967, MBA. 1973, to provide support to students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. Preference in awarding is given to outstanding rising second year female students who have a concentration in finance at the Owen Graduate School of Management.

Webb Follin Scholarship

The Webb Follin Scholarship was established in 2004 by the Dickson Foundation to provide scholarship support to deserving students showing promise and excellence at the Owen Graduate School of Management. The scholarship honors the memory of Webb Follin, B.A. 1942, who was a community supporter of the Owen School. It was the desire of close friend Rush Dickson III, MBA 1978, to recognize Follin for his contributions to the school and university through a scholarship.

Wigginton Memorial Scholarship

The Wigginton Memorial Scholarship was established in 1989 by multiple donors to provide scholarship support to a top finance student at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established in memory of Georgia Wigginton, B.A. 1922, and former Vanderbilt University Trustee Madison (Matt) Wigginton, B.A. 1922, M.A. 1923, one of the founders of the Owen Graduate School of Management.

Wilbert E. Chope Memorial Scholarship

The Wilbert E. Chope Memorial Scholarship was established in 1988 by Douglas B. Chope, B.S. 1986, MBA 1988, and his family to provide merit-based scholarship support to students in the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. This fund was established in honor of Wilbert E. Chope, B.E. 1945, founder and CEO of Industrial Nucleonics/AccuRay, a manufacturer of industrial process controls in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Chope attended Vanderbilt prior to his service in WWII. His son Doug carried on the family tradition by graduating from the Engineering School in 1986 and from the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management in 1988.

William E. Walker Scholarship

The William E. Walker Scholarship was established in 2001 by Gloria Walker and William Edward Walker III, B.A. 1988, MBA 1992, to provide scholarship support to an outstanding first-year student in the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management who has demonstrated characteristics of leadership, honesty and integrity and who has an interest in entrepreneurship. Donors established this fund in memory of their late husband and father, William E. Walker Jr. a Vanderbilt student in 1950.

William G. Christie Scholarship

In FY2006, Wendell Switzer Reilly, MBA 1983, established the William G. Christie Scholarship. In FY2013, Emily Baker Tobin, B.A. 1987, MBA 1992, made additional contributions to the fund. The fund provides support to deserving students based on academic merit, with a preference to those who have financial need, at the Owen Graduate School of Management. The donors established the fund to honor the former Dean and professor of finance, William G. Christie, for his service and dedication to the school.

William S. Cochran Scholarship

In 2015, Vanderbilt University established the William S. Cochran Scholarship with proceeds from a Northwestern Mutual life insurance policy that William S. Cochran, B.A. 1959, established during his lifetime. During his lifetime, Mr. Cochran served as the Major Gifts chairman of the Centennial Campaign. The fund provides needs-based support for deserving students at the Owen Graduate School of Management. 

Commencement Awards

The following awards are presented at commencement exercises to recognize superior performance in the MBA program.

Founder’s Medal

The Founder’s Medal, signifying first honors, was endowed by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt as one of his gifts to the university. At the Owen School, the Founder’s Medalist is the graduating MBA student who, in the judgment of the Dean and the Committee on Awards, has achieved the strongest record in personal, professional and academic performance in meeting the requirements of the MBA degree.

H. Igor Ansoff Award

Endowed by several members of the MBA class of 1972 in honor of the founding Dean of the Graduate School of Management, this cash prize is presented at commencement to an outstanding graduating MBA student who has made a significant contribution enhancing the life of the school. This award is not made every year; it is reserved to honor those rare individuals who contribute in original and creative ways to improving the academic, intellectual or social life of students, faculty and staff at Owen.

Flournoy A. Coles Jr., Prize

Endowed by friends, former students and fellow faculty members to honor the memory of Flournoy A. Coles, Jr., this cash prize is awarded annually at commencement. A founding member of the Owen faculty, Coles taught international finance and economics during his tenure.

Wigginton Leadership Award

Presented annually to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding performance in finance, this award was established in 1992 in memory of Madison S. Wigginton, a founder of the Owen Graduate School of Management and member of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust from 1960 to 1991.

Financial Executives Institute Award

Presented to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding academic performance in accounting and finance, this award is made annually by the Financial Executive Institute’s Middle Tennessee Chapter in consultation with the Owen finance and accounting faculty.

The Owen Service Award

Signified by an engraved sterling letter opener, the Owen Service Award is bestowed upon the graduating MBA student who has demonstrated outstanding effort and energy in leadership qualities, community involvement and compassion for Owen student life. It recognizes the student who gives more to the Owen community than others and who unselfishly focuses on making Owen a better place for everyone. This award is awarded only in years in which the Dean recognizes there is a student who meets the criteria.