Joseph C. Ashkar & Lois E. Ashkar Scholarship

The Ashkar Scholarship Fund recognizes and rewards academically talented students pursuing a degree in secondary teacher education at Mansfield University. Karen Ashkar Murley and James W. Ashkar established this scholarship award and fund in honor of their parents, Joseph C. Ashkar, class of 1934, and Lois E. Weir Ashkar, class of 1936, for their combined service of nearly fifty years in education in the Lycoming County community of Hughesville, PA.

Joseph Ashkar was born, lived, and taught high school mathematics for 31 years in Hughesville, PA. At the time of his death in 1966, the East Lycoming School District named the next new building the Joseph C. Ashkar Elementary School. Lois E. Weir Ashkar was born and lived in Susquehanna, PA, and taught music in the Susquehanna County Public Schools for five years. Subsequently, Mrs. Ashkar taught in the Hughesville schools, before retiring from teaching in 1978.

Selection Criteria

The Mansfield University Scholarship Committee selects the student who will receive the Ashkar award after a recommendation is made by members of the Mansfield University Education and Special Education Department who review applications. The criteria for the initial selection of the scholarship recipient include the following:

1. The student must have completed registration for student teaching for either the fall or spring of the following year.
2. The student must be an undergraduate with senior standing at the time of the award.
3. The student must have a minimum 3.2 GPA.
4. The student's department should promote a positive image of teaching.
5. The student must treat all others (children, their families, staff, faculty and other students) with respect.
6. The student must be of exemplary character and exhibit leadership qualities and participation in campus or community organizations.
7. The student must write a position paper on the importance of character in the committed teacher.

Contact Us

Dr. Kathleen Carico, Chairperson

Fran Melchionne, Secretary
207 Retan Center
570-662-4560
570-662-4364 FAX

Jill Scott, Secretary
202 Retan Center
570-662-4790
570-662-4364 FAX