Created by a generous donation to UTA, the Ida V. Hall and George Kohfeldt Endowed Scholarship to Southwestern Studies is intended to assist students whose studies focus on the Native American Southwest. The scholarship's namesake is a couple whose friendship -- and mutual respect for the region's peoples -- spanned several decades. Ida Hall of Dallas noted that George Kohfeldt was an inspiration to her because "he was never critical of anyone and accepted people exactly as they were. If they were different or believed differently than he did, that was just fine." Although George Kohfeldt died in 1989, his memory is perpetuated in the gift by Ida V. Hall to UTA in October of 1999. Ms. Hall has a long history with UTA. She first became involved with the university more than thirty years ago, and graduated with a BA degree in 1974 at 61 years of age. Never forgetting the opportunity that UTA provided to her, Ms. Hall wanted to be certain that "future generations of students are provided the same opportunity." Ms. Hall's interest in Native American culture is traceable to the many years she spent in Oklahoma.

The $500 scholarship is intended to help qualified students defray their expenses at UTA. Eligible students will be in Southwestern Studies and/or the numerous related disciplines, including, but not limited to, history, anthropology, political science, art, music, geography, Spanish, English, art history, and the history of cartography. Among the factors considered in the review of applicants are a history of involvement with the Native American community, a strong academic record, and demonstrated financial need. The Center has appointed a faculty committee to review applications, and selection of the students for this scholarship began in the Spring of 2000. For more information about this scholarship, please contact the Center at Box 19497, UTA, Arlington, 76019-0497, (817) 272-3997, or email: swcenter@uta.edu.