In 1996, E. Joseph McCarthy bequeathed over $900,000 to Georgetown University's French Department at the request of his niece, Maureen Gavel, a graduate, long-time employee and supporter of the French Department.

Mr. McCarthy (1901-1993) was an entrepreneur who began his life in the stockroom of A. G. Walton Co., a shoe factory in Massachusetts. He never had the opportunity to attend college but was a great benefactor of higher education.

In his memory, through the E. Joseph McCarthy Endowment Fund, students, faculty will benefit through scholarships and enhanced academic programs in the French Department.

Goals

The objectives of the McCarthy Endowment Fund are:

• Provide financial support for French faculty
• Help deserving students travel and study French through scholarship programs
• Offer a special Tropaia Award every year at the Graduation Ceremony for a French Major planning to pursue graduate studies or a career in French.
   

Board 2005-2006

A board was appointed to designate, distribute and monitor the funds (endowment and current use), select projects & proposals and review their progress:

Maureen Gavel, Founder & Treasurer
Prof. Jean-Max Guieu, Chair
Prof. Sylvie Durmelat
Prof. Guy Spielmann
Prof. Paul Young

The McCarthy Endowment Board meets several times per year for review of applications.

Student Scholarship Criteria and Applications
Three different scholarships are offered to Georgetown students:

The E. Joseph McCarthy Overseas Study Scholarship for French Majors
The E. Joseph McCarthy Summer Program in Tours Scholarship (open to all French students)
The E. Joseph McCarthy Summer Program in Paris Scholarship (open to all French students)

Must be a full or part-time Georgetown University student studying French
Must complete the following application available at the French Dept. or printed from this site.

Consisting of:

Up to 4 scholarships for a Spring semester or a Full year abroad of up to $ 2,500 per semester

These competitive scholarships are offered to students who are planning to study in a Francophone country for one or two semesters and who can demonstrate financial need.

Deadline for applications for the following Spring semester is October 31st.

Deadline for applications for the following Fall/year is March 15th.

Students' applications will include:

• A form requesting a scholarship (either the spring program form or the academic year program form)
• A personal statement describing the students' commitment to, and serious motivation for French Studies.
• Two letters of recommendation from the students' French Department professors, submitted directly to the Committee
• The students' transcripts of academic performance.

After having received all the applications, the Committee will proceed. Since the records of extra financial help have to remain confidential, the Dean will supply a financial help statement to the Committee at decision time.

Consisting of:
Up to 4 grants of up to $2,500 each

These competitive scholarships are offered to students who are planning to study in the Georgetown University Summer Program in Tours and who can demonstrate financial need.

The applications for the Summer grants should be received by the 15th of March.
 

Students' applications will include:

• A form requesting a scholarship
• A personal statement describing the student's commitment to, and serious motivation for French Studies
• A letter of recommendation from at least one of the students' French professor, submitted directly to the Committee.
• Students' transcripts of academic performance.
• Financial Aid records.

After having received all the applications and the students have been accepted to the Tours Summer Study program, the Committee might decide to proceed to a formal interview of the candidates.

Since the records of extra financial help have to remain confidential, the Dean will supply a financial help statement to the Committee at decision time.

Deadline for applications for the Summer in Tours is March 15th.

Consisting of one award of $400

This award will be offered to an outstanding graduating Senior who will pursue an activity that promotes French or Francophone studies in either the academic or the professional realm.  The award will be presented at the Tropaia ceremony in May. The Department may recommend to the Committee candidates for this award.