The 40 scholarships, funded through contributions made by alumni, faculty emeriti, families of students and friends of the history department, were awarded to students during the fall of 2004 and spring 2005.

"The scholarships are a testimony and a fine example of the dedication and commitment of our faculty to enhance the educational experience of our students and our belief and support of academic excellence," said Stella Theodoulou, dean of CSUN's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, which includes the department of history.

The scholarships provided students with an array of awards, from $250 to financing recipients' tuition for a semester. Scholarships were awarded to history students from various categories that include students who are enrolling or are enrolled in CSUN's teaching credential program, students who demonstrate academic excellence and students who write outstanding papers.

"The awards suggest that CSUN students are motivated to perform and interested in finding careers in our shifting, global economy," said History Professor Thomas Maddux. He noted that training in history provides students with significant skills in research such as organization of material, writing with clarity and oral presentation.

CSUN's department of history has awarded 260 scholarships totaling $212,249 to its students since 1998