Supporting PLS
The Program of Liberal Studies is grateful to its generous and involved alumni for supporting the Program.
Ways to Contribute
Contributions to the University Designated for PLS
These contributions provide PLS with funds for the many faculty and student functions, including the Opening Charge, Christmas Party, Senior Dinner, Senior Brunch. They also help defray costs of office equipment, publications, and mailings.
The Rev. Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C. Award
A new award has been established to honor Nicholas Ayo after his retirement from teaching in the program.
The Otto A. Bird Award
The Bird Award honors Dr. Otto A. Bird, founder and first Director of the General Program. It is presented each year to that student in the General Program of Liberal Studies whose Senior Essay is adjudged to best exemplify the ideals of liberal learning, Graduates and Faculty established this award in 1975, upon the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Progam.
The Susan Clements Fund
Susan was an extraordinary student and a remarkable young woman who graduated in 1990 and met an early and tragic death in 1992. Her classmates hoped to memorialize her with a named scholarship to be awarded annually to a PLS student. The PLS faculty members have since established an endowed “Spirit of Susan Clements” Award to be given to the graduating senior who most embodies the combination of scholarship, industry, and spirit that Susan possessed.
The Edward J. Cronin Fund
Presented annually to the student in the Program of Liberal Studies who has submitted the outstanding piece of writing in that year, honors Dr. Edward J. Cronin whose tireless efforts for good writing distinguished his more than three decades of teaching from the inception of the Program. Alumni, faculty, students and friends established this award in April, 1982, at the time of Dr. Cronin’s retirement.
The Program of Liberal Studies Center for the Homeless Project
In 1998, PLS began a community outreach seminar with students from the South Bend Center for the Homeless. The World Masterpieces Seminar runs for the entire academic year. Contributions help defray the cost of the books and outings to plays, concerts and operas.
The Jay Kelly Memorial Scholarship
The Jay Kelly Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of a PLS student who came to Notre Dame in the fall of 1998. He battled cancer for two years and passed away after his junior year of college. This award, commemorating Jay's spirit, is awarded annually to a PLS junior in financial need.
The Willis D. Nutting Fund
Presented each year to the General Program Senior who has contributed most to the education of his fellow students, honors simultaneously Dr. Willis D. Nutting who for two decades in the General Program was a teacher of the love of wisdom, and a student who became, in turn, a teacher himself. Alumni and faculty established this award in June, 1970, at the time of Dr. Nutting's retirement.
The Stephen Rogers Memorial Fund
The Stephen Rogers Award is named for a student who graduated in 1956. He later became a remarkable asset to our Department faculty. Stephen was physically challenged; he was blind. In 1985, Steve died during the final portion of senior essay time. The Stephen Rogers Fund helps us assist worthy students facing unexpected financial difficulties. The fund is given to the PLS student with the greatest financial need. On more than one occasion, the Fund has allowed students to remain in school when otherwise they would have had to withdraw.
The Stephen Rogers Endowment for Graduate School Studies
The Rogers Award will be used to support graduate school studies for students of the Program of Liberal Studies.