The Manhattan Optimist Club Memorial Scholarship

The Manhattan Optimist Club Scholarship Fund was established at the Kansas State University Foundation ("KSUF" or "KSU Foundation") on July 14, 1987, with a donation from the club of $5,000; the amount needed to meet KSUF's minimum criteria for a scholarship fund at that time.  It has since grown significantly, but still needs additional philanthropic support.

Purpose

The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to students enrolled at Kansas State University according to the award guidelines and criteria listed below.

Source Of Funds

Funds to support this scholarship are expected to come from philanthropic donations from members, friends and supporters of the club, commonly through contributions in honor of deceased Optimists.  It is the intent of the club to grow this scholarship fund to the current minimum endowed amount/level of $25,000 required by KSU Foundation policies, and more.  Until such time that the endowed fund is self-sustaining and can generate sufficient income to support the intended scholarship(s), the Manhattan Optimist Club intends to provide necessary supplemental funding to award at least one scholarship annually to a deserving recipient.

Amount

This scholarship will be a minimum of $1,000 annually.

Award Guidelines

The University will be responsible for selecting the award recipients from the Fund according to the following guidelines, all of which are subject to applicable University policies as they may be amended.

The scholarship or award will be awarded and administered as follows:

  • Undergraduate students enrolled in any curriculum.
  • Who are direct descendants of present or deceased members of the Manhattan, KS Optimist Club (to include naturally born children, adopted children and stepchildren).
  • Selection will be based on one or more of the following: leadership, scholarship, community, and school involvement and/or public service.
  • Preference incoming freshmen.
  • Awards are not renewable, and recipients will not receive the award more than once during their undergraduate program.
  • Each recipient will receive a minimum award amount of $1,000 annually.
  • In the event the Manhattan, KS Optimist Club ceases to exist, recipients will be undergraduate students enrolled in any curriculum based on the greatest need of the university.

If in any given year the University is unable to identify potential recipients who meet the above selection criteria, the University will make awards in a manner that will carry out as nearly as practical the spirit of the Donor’s original intent.

Selection of recipients will be made in accordance with current selection procedures and will be conducted by the college, department, or unit responsible for the area of study based on the selection criteria.

In all other respects, this scholarship shall be awarded without restriction to sex, race, handicap, religion or natural origin.

Report To Donors

The KSU Foundation and/or the University will furnish to the Donor or designated representatives, information on the Fund in accordance with KSU Foundation and University policies. Any objection to the use or administration of the Fund must be made within one year of the report

Application Information

Application for this scholarship can be made by completing the online Kansas State University scholarship application at https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships/apply/