Robert W. Thunen Memorial Scholarship
Applications for the Thunen Memorial Scholarship may be submitted by full-time students who desire to study illumination as a career. Applications for the Thunen Memorial Scholarship may be made by those who will be an undergraduate junior, senior or graduate student (Fall semester only) in an accredited four year college or university located in Northern California, Nevada, Oregon or Washington (the late Mr. Thunen’s business territory). Graduate applicants must be undertaking a lighting-centered project as part of work towards a graduate degree.
Award amount
Minimum Award: $1,000.00
Average Award: $2,500.00
Maximum Award: $5,000.00
Deadline Details
April 1st
Study Areas
architecture, electrical engineering, interior design, lighting, lighting application, lighting design, theatre
As this scholarship is intended to cover any and all fields of lighting, it is suggested that applicants review the IES Lighting Handbook in order to comprehend fully the available fields of study.
Submission Requirements
In addition to an application, applicants shall submit a Statement of Purpose with respect to the applicant’s lighting education and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation, at least one of which shall be from someone involved with lighting professionally or academically.
Applications and letters of recommendation should be submitted before April 1 of each year. It is expected that the selected Thunen Scholars for each year will be announced no later than mid-May of each year.
Renew Details
Reapplication and continuation in previously approved program is required to retain scholarship.
Download the Application: Thunen Scholarship Fund Application
Sponsor information
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
IES San Francisco Section
c/o Mary Jane Lawless
1201 Park Avenue #100
Emeryville, CA 94608
Contact information
Mary Jane Lawless
Chairman of Thunen Fund
mlaw@silvermanlight.com
Number of awards
Number of Applications:
Minimum Awards:
Award type
Scholarship