History of the Scholarship
Established in honor of Arthur A. Grusendorf – a former president of Blinn College, registrar at Texas State University (then Southwest Texas State), and professor of sociology – this award has been given annually since 1970. It recognizes an outstanding sociology major in the graduating class who, in the judgment of department faculty and the awards committee, shows exceptional promise for success after graduation. Past recipients have gone on to significant achievements across a wide range of occupations and professions.
For much of its history, the Grusendorf Award carried no monetary prize. In recent years, the Sociology Department has supplemented the recognition with a $100 gift from available departmental funds.
Beginning with this cycle, the award will increase to $500, thanks to a contribution from sociology alumna Kenzie Nasser, who received the Grusendorf Award herself as a graduating senior. Kenzie earned her bachelor’s degree in applied sociology with a minor in business administration in May 2022 and has since worked as an executive assistant in the Austin area. During her time at Texas State, she also helped revive the Sociology Club, with support from the Sociology Department, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Her gift reflects a commitment to honoring academic excellence and investing in students who will carry sociology with them, wherever they go next.
One award is given each year to an outstanding sociology major graduating in May or in the preceding summer or fall semester. To be considered, a student must meet the following minimum academic requirements:
Students who meet these thresholds are considered automatically — there is no application to submit. Scholarship is the primary criterion, though the highest GPA does not automatically determine the recipient. The award often goes to the undergraduate nominee for the Liberal Arts Outstanding Award, but this is not a requirement.
Recognizing the top undergraduate students in each of the six majors within the McCoy College of Business, this award celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and achievement. Six students are selected annually to receive a $500 award.
Beginning in 2026, Clinton B. Morris will fund a $4,000 annual scholarship for the next five years recognizing an outstanding senior in the Texas State Construction Science & Management Program. The award honors a graduating senior with strong potential in the construction industry.
In 2026, friends, family, and alumni partnered with the Stelos Alliance to establish a scholarship for the Eta Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, recognizing undergraduate brothers who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and pride in their chapter and Texas State University.