Charles W. Armbruster Undergraduate Chemistry Scholarship

Charles Armbruster began teaching at UM-St. Louis in 1962 as a chemistry instructor and in 1964 was appointed Chair of the Division of Science. He held that position until 1968 when he became Chair of the Department of Chemistry. He was responsible for hiring chemists, physicists, and biologists until individual departments took over that role. In addition, he was mainly responsible for the technical aspects of designing both Benton and Stadler Halls. As Chair of the Division of Science and the Department of Chemistry from 1964 to 1975, Armbruster was one of the most influential figures on campus. As indicated by former Chancellor Blanche M. Touhill in her book, “The Emerging University,” during the 1963-64 academic year Armbruster was the major influence on then-Chancellor James Bugg in the effort to urge him to change his goal of establishing a large four-year institution into one that would offer graduate education through the doctoral level. Armbruster’s efforts led to the establishment of Ph.D. programs in chemistry and psychology in 1971. Charlie was best known as the favorite teacher of thousands of science students whom he taught introductory or organic chemistry. In 1992 he took an early retirement but continued to teach a full load in the department, both during the academic year and the summers, and served as the premedical school adviser until he left the St. Louis area in 1998 to settle in Florida.

Scholarship Criteria

1. Candidates will be undergraduate students at UMSL who are majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
2. Preference will be given to incoming students who transfer from other universities or community colleges.
3. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need.
4. Recipients must enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours at UMSL each semester.