CSU Robert M. O'Dell Endowed Scholarship in Public Administration

2025-2026 Academic Year Award

The California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) established the Robert M. O’Dell endowed scholarship fund in April 1987 to honor the former city treasurer of Los Angeles. The scholarships are awarded on an alternating basis between northern and southern geographic regions of California to the 17 campuses offering degree programs in public administration.

CSUN will nominate one student and the CSU Foundation to make the final selection. Priority will be based on GPA.

The scholarship recipients will be invited by the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers to attend their annual professional conference in 2021. This conference is an opportunity for students to learn about job opportunities in the field of municipal finance. The conference details are still being determined due to current circumstances.

Strong consideration will be given to applicants who are in a public administration major specializing in finance as well as first generation college students.

Please note: Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than required enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be in a degree program in public administration.
  • Open to CSUN upper-division undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Undergraduate students must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Graduate students must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 units or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
  • Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 8 units or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
  • Applicants may not be a previous recipient of this award. Strong consideration will be given to an applicant who is also: A public administration major specializing in finance and/or A first-generation college student.


Scholarship recipients will be invited by the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers to attend their annual professional conference in the spring.

Award amount: Four (4) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year among the 23 CSU Campuses.

For more information on this and other CSU Systemwide scholarships, please visit https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/csu-foundation

Award
$2,500.00
Scopes
CSU Systemwide Scholarships
Deadline
04/25/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. I am a previous recipient of this award.
  2. I am in a public administration degree program
  3. I am a public administration major specializing in finance.
  4. Please upload: A brief Personal Statement describing your background, personal achievements, challenges you have encountered, educational pursuits and goals and aspirations for the future. In the top right-hand corner of your word document, write your name, student ID#, and the words: Personal Statement. Use 12-point font, and one-inch margins.
  5. Please upload: A copy of you Official or Unofficial Transcripts
  6. What do you think it means to be a CSUN Matador?
  7. Please upload: A copy of your student resume/CV.
  8. What experience has impacted your personal growth?
  9. Tell us about a time you failed. What did you learn from that experience?
  10. Why are you pursuing your major? How does it relate to your career aspirations?
  11. Provide an example of service beyond the classroom (i.e., have you taken on significant family obligations, helped others in a specific way, been involved in political action, worked/volunteered/interned at a particular organization, etc.). Why is this example significant to you?
  12. Show 6 more