Susan M. Rigney Endowed Award
The Susan M. Rigney Endowed Award is brand new annual scholarship from CSULB alum, Susan Rigney! Rigney earned her BA in Sociology with a Human Resource Management minor in 1981. Now a retired psychotherapist, Rigney has offered this scholarship to continuing CLA students who have taken a queer studies course.
The Impact of WGSS and Why Susan Started the Award
Susan states, "my personal history in Women’s Studies began my first semester at The Beach in the fall of 1977. The class was The Biology and Sexuality of Women. At the time I had no idea how this one class, taught by Betty Brooks, would impact my entire life by expanding my compassion and appreciation for people living their lives differently from my own. She taught me how to stand up strong and respect myself. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have known her."
She goes to say, "my purpose in establishing the Susan M. Rigney Endowed Award is to honor my memory of Betty Brooks. By encouraging students to explore Queer Studies, this award can make a difference in the understanding and acceptance of the lives of others. It is my hope that the spirit of Betty Brooks lives on at The Beach today."
Award Applications Open During Spring Semester
- Must have taken a Queer Studies course. See the list of Queer Studies courses under our "Queer Studies Minor Overview" tab.
- Must have a CSULB combined cumulative GPA 3.0+
- Must be a full time junior or above and will be a continuing student.
2026 Susan M. Rigney Endowed Awardee
Congratulations to Kass Malcor, one of our Queer Studies Minors and the first awardee of the Susan M. Rigney Endowed Award. They will be continuing their academic journey at CSULB in the History M.A program. Read more about Kass' research!
