Former and current MSU officials say a new scholarship named for Ruth Simms Hamilton will continue the former professor's legacy, while encouraging graduate students to study urban and black studies.
The Hamilton Research Scholarship, announced earlier this week, is funded by a $500,000 endowment from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association College Retirement Equities Fund, a New York investment and insurance company.
For 35 years, Hamilton was a professor in the College of Social Science and focused on the African diaspora, which is a migration of people with a common origin, background or beliefs. Hamilton was killed in her Meridian Township home on Nov. 11 by her son, Bramlett Hamilton. She was 66.
The scholarship will go to graduate students interested in Urban and Black Studies or the African diaspora.
"The purpose is to memorialize the 30-year pioneering work of Professor Ruth Hamilton," said Michele Davis, the associate director of education for the investment and insurance company.
Students from all universities can apply, but other details of the scholarship, such as the number granted per year, are still being worked out, Davis said.
In addition to her work at MSU, Hamilton served on the company's board of trustees.
"During the years I was president at Michigan State, I knew very well James and Ruth Hamilton," said Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., a former MSU president and former chief executive officer of the company.
"The scholarship will, in a sense, carry her interests into the future."
Marietta Baba, dean of the College of Social Sciences, said Hamilton was one of the first scholars in urban studies in the nation and was instrumental in shaping the program at MSU to have a more global approach.
Hamilton had enormous insight, Baba said.
She said a revamped and renamed Global Urban Studies Program, due in part to Hamilton's efforts, is starting this fall as a transition for students working in the Urban Affairs Programs.
New students will be accepted into the program in 2005.
"(Hamilton) trained many students over the years," Baba said.
"I think our students will have a special incentive to apply for it because of her legacy."
