MSP Sheila McDowell Deming Scholarship Endowment

2024-2025 Academic Year Award

Sheila McDowell Deming was born in Piqua, Ohio, to professional musicians, one in vaudeville and both performed on WLS-Radio. She came from a long lineage of musicians, some of who played for royalty. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1946, where in elementary school she wrote a play her school performed. Another example of her creative ability was that she wrote thirty songs while attending Van Nuys High School. Her song writing ability was reported in the local newspaper. Her academic performance in junior high and high school earned her AEE’s in all of her classes. She was awarded the Mendenhal Trophy for academic excellence at Van Nuys High School. She was a good athlete, a cheerleader, and was involved in student government in both high school and college.

Sheila excelled in her studies at the University receiving a baccalaureate degree in Sociology in 1962 and a Master of Science Degree in Medical Sociology in 1974. While an undergraduate at CSUN, she was one of the founders of Alpha Omega Sorority, which later became Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. As an active member, she wrote the sorority’s song and led them in winning the annual Spring Sing. Sheila was in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities,” as a result of her scholastic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, including service in her community and school.

After college, she became social studies teacher and counselor at Monroe High School, part of the Los Angeles Unified School District for thirty-eight (38) years. She was married for 56 years, had two daughters, and four grandsons. She was very committed to her family playing a significant role in the lives of two of her grandsons and remained active in her family and community until her death in 2019.

This scholarship is for continuing CSUN students who are enrolled in a course of study in the social sciences or counseling and/or are enrolled in the University’s teaching credential program for secondary education.

Preference to students who have demonstrated engagement with candidates or issues related to the Republican Party in their community*.

Members of the Epsilon Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority are highly encouraged to apply*.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to CSUN undergraduate, graduate or teaching credential program students.
• Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25.
• Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 units or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
  Any change to your eligibility status in any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
• Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 6 units (8 units preferred) or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
  Any change to your eligibility status in any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
• Must be enrolled in a course of study in the social sciences, counseling, and/or are enrolled in the University’s teaching credential program for secondary education.
• Have a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) on file for the upcoming academic year and demonstrate financial need.
• Must have a history of exceptional or potential leadership at the campus or in the community.
  
  Please note:
  If you are receiving Financial Aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation