Pittsburgh Section seeks nominations for the J. Earl Frazier Memorial Scholarship

The Pittsburgh Section of The American Ceramic Society is once again pleased to announce the J. Earl Frazier Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of our friend and colleague J. Earl Frazier. Among the numerous technical societies to which he belonged, he was a past president and honorary life member of The American Ceramic Society, a member of the National Academy of Engineering of the United States of America, and a member of the Pennsylvania Ceramics Association. His support of ceramics and ceramists throughout the US and abroad earned him the respect and admiration of the ceramics industry worldwide.

To the Applicant:

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the J. Earl Frazier Memorial Scholarship. Please review each one carefully to determine if you are eligible prior to filling out this application.

1. You are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university working toward a degree in Ceramic Engineering, Glass Engineering Science, or Materials Science & Engineering with a concentration or relevant coursework in the field of technical ceramics or glass
2. You are an undergraduate student and will use the award toward expenses in the following year of study (i.e., student cannot be a graduating senior)
3. You are a permanent resident of PA, OH, WV

Please provide the following information in support of your eligibility for the award:

1. A one-page letter discussing your interest, experience, and career aspirations within the ceramics or glass industry
2. An authorized copy of your college transcript through your most recent completed semester
3. A copy of your current financial aid statement (FAFSA Student Aid Report or similar) if applicable
4. A completed J. Earl Frazier Memorial scholarship application

The scholarship to total $5,000 will be awarded to the student who best exemplifies Mr. Frazier’s commitment to ceramic and/or glass science and engineering. The award shall be presented to the chosen student in the spring semester of the current schoolyear for use toward expenses in the fall semester of the following year.

Applications for the award can be submitted via the Google form below, where all relevant documents should be attached. The application is due by Jan. 31, 2026. If you have trouble completing the form, please email the address listed at the bottom of this document for support.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzFgjO_WlyDQDx7wc_BbOHHnL_QHo0w2E8UZHDrcjNVOIrAg/viewform?usp=header

Letter Detail:

The required letter is meant as an open-ended opportunity to elaborate on your connection to ceramic materials to this point in your academic career. Possible topics can include but are not limited to:

• Why you have chosen ceramic or glass science/engineering as an area of study
• A detailed description of something you found interesting in a ceramics or glass course
• A discussion on a particular ceramic or glass material of interest
• Jobs or internships involving ceramic or glass materials
• Your career aspirations within the ceramic or glass industries

The letter is meant to be brief yet reflect passion for the topic. Please adhere to a 500-word maximum. The letter should be submitted as a word document or PDF and submitted as an attachment along with the other required documents to be e-mailed.

Mike Clark

Pittsburgh Section of the American Ceramic Society – University Relations Chair

mclark@thinkhwi.com