Jayne and Richard Burkhardt Scholarship for Outstanding Undergraduate Achievement was first awarded in the 2018-19 academic year and originates from a gift to the Department by the Burkhardt family. The intention behind the gift was to “provide funds the History Department could use to encourage undergraduate students to pursue history majors.” In keeping with this intention, the History Department awards the Burkhardt scholarship to four undergraduates annually who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their first year in the History Department – whether as first year students or transfers to the Department. In-coming freshmen with a superior academic background and demonstrated enthusiasm for history are also considered for the award.