Beginning with this cycle, the Grusendorf Award will be enhanced thanks to a gift from sociology alumna and former Grusendorf Award recipient Kenzie Nasser (’22), whose contribution reflects her commitment to honoring academic excellence and investing in future sociology students.
Thomas Dugan Raffen Memorial Scholarship
History of the Scholarship
In 2008, Bobby Poston, in conjunction with the non-profit organization Stelos Alliance, pledged to create and support a scholarship in the name of Thomas Dugan Raffen. Tommy was an exceptional student, leader and friend to many across campus. He served as President of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, and was a member of Student Foundation and Order of Omega. Tommy maintained this level of campus leadership while working to pay his way through school.
His work ethic, integrity and dedication to the University and its values serve as his positive legacy. Tommy was tragically killed in a car accident in May of 1991.
To honor his memory this scholarship is presented annually to an outstanding member of the Texas Mu chapter of Phi Delta Theta who exhibits the leadership characteristics, optimistic enthusiasm, integrity, and pride in the University that exemplified Tommy’s college life.
*Applications for this scholarship are currently closed. Please check back for future application opportunities.*
Eligibility Requirements
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Student must be a member in good standing with the Phi Delta Theta Texas Mu Chapter at Texas State.
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Student must be classified as a junior or senior at Texas State.
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Student must have 54 completed hours if classified as a sophomore.
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Sophomore or junior classification will be enrolled 12 hours or more at the time of selection. Senior classification may be enrolled 12 hours or less at the time of selection.
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Student must have an overall Texas State GPA of at least 2.50.
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Student must have demonstrated leadership qualities.
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Student must have invested time and service to Texas State and the Texas Mu chapter.
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Students that have previously won the Raffen Scholarship are not eligible.
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The recipient(s) will be in good standing with the University at the time of selection.
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Graduating seniors are eligible to receive this Scholarship.
- Essay: As part of the application process a personal essay is required
- Essay Prompt:
- Describe how your involvement in campus life has contributed to both Texas State University and Phi Delta Theta. How have your past and present activities made an impact? What are your goals for continued service to both the university and the fraternity while you are still a student?
- Additionally, tell us about any work experiences, internships, or commitments you’ve held outside the university and how they’ve shaped your character and direction.
- Lastly, reflect on your intentions as a future alumnus. Do you plan to give back to Texas State and Phi Delta Theta? If so, in what ways? How has your journey so far influenced your motivation to stay involved and serve in the long term?
- Format:
- Typed, double-spaced
- 12-point font
- Minimum: 1 full page
- Maximum: 3 full pages
- Essay Prompt:
Application Process
ATTACHMENT REQUIREMENTS
- All attachments must be less than 5MB and in one of the following file types: .txt, .pdf, .docx, .odf, .rtf.
- All attachments must be included at the time of submission.
- For essay attachments, please put your name in the lower left-hand corner and page number in the lower right corner of each page.


