CRLS Student Awards and Scholarships

The Jay Balchunas Memorial Scholarship

Jay BalchunasJay Balchunas served first as a Marquette University Public Safety Officer, then as a police officer for seven years with the Milwaukee Police Department. He also served as a member of the New Berlin Fire Department for 18 years. On October 29, 2004, at the age of 34, while working as a Senior Special Agent for the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Jay was tragically shot during an attempted robbery. Unfortunately, following a courageous fight, Jay succumbed to his wounds one week later. In honor of their son’s passion for and dedication to law enforcement, Jay's family established the Balchunas Memorial Scholarship. Since 2006, the Balchunas Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to one deserving junior or senior CRLS student who plans a career in law enforcement.  

Selection Criteria

  • Criminology and Law Studies major
  • Junior or senior standing
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • An interest in a career in law enforcement

Application Package

  • A personal statement outlining your career goals and why you wish to be considered for the Balchunas Memorial Scholarship.
  • A transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
  • A resume
  • A list of 3 references (name, title, and contact information) familiar with your personal integrity, character, and academic performance.

Previous Recipients

  • 2022-2023 - Justin Higgins
  • 2021-2022 - Val Tabares
  • 2020-2021 - James McQuillen
  • 2018-2020- Jessica Lewandowski
  • 2016- 2018 - Calli Brauer
  • 2015 - Jacob Schnur

Apply/Deadline

  • Please contact the department for application and deadline information.

Criminology and Law Studies Outstanding Senior Award

Outstanding SeniorEvery year, the Criminology and Law Studies Major recognizes one student who has excelled in academics, service, and leadership. Nominees for the award must be a Criminology and Law Studies major (double majors are also eligible) with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

 

Selection Criteria

  • Criminology and Law Studies Major
  • Senior standing
  • GPA of 3.5 or higher

Application Package

  • A personal statement outlining your career goals and why you wish to be considered CRLS Outstanding Senior Award.
  • A list of 3 references (name, title, and contact information) familiar with your personal integrity, character, and academic performance.

Past Awardees

2023 Sufyan Haroon and Trevor Morris
2022 Jacqueline Mendoza
2021 Jane Bolton
2020 Anusha Das
2019 Ellie Lyne
2018 Jessica Szuminski

 

Apply/Deadline

  • Deadline: first Monday of March each year
  • To apply or for more information please contact Dr. Meghan Stroshine.

Additional Information

Students