Scholarship Honors Career of Stephen Stephan

After Dr. Stephen Stephan died in 1997, his daughters, Sona Hoisington and Paula Stephan, as well as faculty, friends, and former students, established the Stephen Stephan Endowed Scholarship Fund for Sociology, to honor Dr. Stephan's commitment to his students and the Department of Sociology. To mark the centennial of his birth in 2006, Paula and Sona are asking former students and colleagues to contribute to the scholarship fund.

Dr. Stephan was a member of the department from 1947 until he retired in 1973, serving as its chair from 1947 until 1969. He was engaged in social issues and deeply committed to improving race relations. He was also active in numerous professional societies, serving as president of the Southwestern Sociological Society. He was the author of two books and of numerous articles in educational and sociological journals.

During a service held in Old Main to celebrate his life, former Chancellor Dan Ferritor remarked that "Departments across the country should have faculty like Steve Stephan — caring, committed teachers and colleagues."

The scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student in sociology who demonstrates academic excellence. To donate to the fund, please make a check payable to the U of A Foundation — Stephan Scholarship, and mail to the Fulbright College Office of Development, 525 Old Main, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR  72701.