This scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Carrol H. Quenzel, a highly respected librarian at Mary Washington College.  Dr. Quenzel served as Librarian of Trinkle Library from 1943 to 1968.

The Carrol H. Quenzel Memorial Scholarships are awarded each year to rising juniors or seniors who have worked the previous semester or are currently working as Student Assistants in Simpson Library.

Students interested in the Quenzel scholarship should apply by completing the University’s online scholarship application at umw.edu/scholar by April 1, 2025. If you have questions on how to apply for the Quenzel Memorial Scholarship in Scholarship Manager, contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@umw.eduor call 540-654-2468.

A review committee made up of members of the library staff selects recipients. Names of recipients and value of scholarships will be forwarded to the Office of Financial Aid. Recipients are announced each year at the Student Awards Ceremony, usually held in April.

Scholarship Name: Carrol H. and Lula A. Quenzel Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: Rising Juniors or Seniors, must have worked the previous semester or are currently working as a Student Assistant in Simpson Library.

Considerations: Student Assistants who demonstrate excellent work ethic, leadership and initiative. GPA is also a consideration.

This award was established in honor of Ruby Y. Weinbrecht who was the Director of the Library from 1971-1983.

The Weinbrecht Award recognizes one graduating senior who has shown distinction in academic achievement (3.0-4.0 GPA), has worked at Simpson Library two or more years, and has demonstrated a responsible, professional attitude toward the performance of his/her duties. This honor carries with it a cash award.

Students interested in this award can self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague or supervisor. Please check with the person you are planning to nominate for length of service and GPA. Nominations should be submitted to https://umw.libwizard.com/f/weinbrecht.  Nominations are due April 1, 2025. 

A review committee made up of members of the library staff will select the final recipient.

Scholarship Name: Ruby Y. Weinbrecht Award

Eligibility: Graduating Seniors, must have worked two or more years in the library AND be currently working as a Student Assistant in Simpson Library.

Considerations: Student Assistants who demonstrate responsibility, professionalism and initiative in the performance of their duties. Students must have a GPA between 3.0-4.0.

The University Librarian Award is given to a library student employee who has shown superior dedication, service, and leadership on behalf of Simpson Library’s users. This award comes with a $25 gift card. Often, the UL Award is given to a Weinbrecht Award runner-up. Therefore, there is a checkbox on the Weinbrecht Award nomination form if you also want to nominate that student for the UL Award. There is also a separate UL Award nomination form for nominees who may not qualify to be nominated for the Weinbrecht Award.