The Mary Louise Foster Scholarship

Mary Louise Foster, a native of Harrisburg, Indiana, studied Home Economics at Purdue. Foster earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1939 and a Master’s degree in 1950. After graduation she taught Home Economics in local public high schools, including the first home economics class for boys at Harrisburg High School.

Foster returned to Purdue in 1955 as a professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department, where she served as an instructor of the Home Management House course. Foster helped to develop the first program in Home Economics at the University of Vicosa in Brazil, working there from 1960 until 1965. She officially retired from Purdue in 1987, but continued on as an Academic Advisor in the Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing.

Mary Louise Foster served a total of almost sixty years at Purdue. She received the Helen B. Schleman Gold Medallion award in 2000 and the Special Boilermaker Award from the Purdue Alumni Association in 2005.

The Mary Louise Foster (MLF) Scholarship is awarded to 3-5 HHS students every year in honor of Foster's impact on the college. Applications are available in the spring semester. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all information and to be among the first to know when they open!

Past Winners

"After graduation, I am planning to get a full time sales job and eventually pursue a Jurris Doctorate degree. Outside of class, I am involved Purdue University Dance Marathon on the Finance committee, Purdue Orientation Programs as a Team Supervisor, Women in Law, HHS Mentors, and HHS Ambassadors. I also enjoy reading, going for walks, being outside, and spending time with my friends."

- Meredith K.

Senior | Selling and Sales Management | 2026 Recipient

"After completing my Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Art I intend to focus on research within the psychological sciences field. I plan to apply to PhD programs in either social or forensic psychology disciplines. I hope to hone into my specific interests within the next academic year."

- Lauren K.

Junior | Psychological Sciences & Law And Society | 2026 Recipient

"After graduation, I plan to attend law school and use my background in psychology to work on mental health and victims’ rights issues within the legal system. I love writing songs, cooking for my friends, and going to the gym!"

- Siang T.

Junior | Psychological Sciences | 2026 Recipient

"Following the completion of my senior clinical year, I will be certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and plan to work in a clinic for a few years before applying to med school, where I want to pursue becoming a pathologist!"

- Victora V.G.

Junior | Medical Laboratory Sciences | 2026 Recipient

"I plan on graduating with a BSN. Then, I am considering continuing to obtain my masters. I am planning on working in Oncology."

- Reegan B.

Sophomore | Nursing | 2026 Recipient

Get added to our mailing list

Contact us:

hhssc@purdue.edu