The George Eagle Memorial Scholarship offers $3000 cash awards to both undergraduate and graduate students. This scholarship is presented annually to deserving college students who express a willingness to pursue or expand a career in environmental health in Ohio. Recipients of the awards are chosen by the members of the George Eagle Scholarship committee who represent the Ohio Environmental Health Association (OEHA). The awards are presented at the OEHA annual spring meeting.

George H. Eagle served as Chief of the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Health, until his retirement in 1971. During his career, he influenced environmental health philosophy and practice in Ohio more than anyone else in the profession. As Chief Engineer of the State Health Department, and Head of the Bureau of Environmental Health, he was responsible for all technical aspects of water pollution control, solid waste disposal, radiation hazards, plumbing, and accident prevention. His bureau also included the Division of Sanitation, Which had jurisdiction over food protection programs, home and school sanitation, recreation and highway sanitation, and the migrant worker camp program.

Through his personal drive, interest, and leadership, George Eagle developed a solid foundation for environmental health programs in Ohio. He was instrumental in developing the milk sanitation program, in directing the development of water quality standards for Ohio’s streams, and in establishing a sound program for semi-public water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities. George hired Ohio’s first sanitarian, helped create the Ohio Association of Sanitarians, and was an early advocate of sanitarian registration.

George Eagle fostered the concept that protecting public health and preserving the environment is an ongoing process and that its success depends upon the perseverance and patience of environmental health professionals. Those who knew George recognized his professionalism, and organizational creativity, as well as his ability and willingness to assume leadership. His influence on environmental health will continue to prevail far into the future.

Students must be Ohio residents.

Students must be enrolled in a program leading to an undergraduate degree in Environmental Health or a related field as determined by the OEHA Board of Directors.

Students must have a sophomore, junior or senior standing in a baccalaureate program.

Whether attending school in Ohio or out of state, the student shall express the intent to become employed in environmental health in Ohio following graduation.

Member in good standing with the Ohio Environmental Health Association for two consecutive years prior to applying for a scholarship.

Registered Sanitarian in the State of Ohio.

A minimum of three years experience in Environmental Health field.

Be enrolled in a program leading to a Master’s Degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and not on academic probation.

Graduate enrollment in M.S.E.S., M.S.E.H., M.S.E.P.H., M.P.H., or other Environmental Health degree program approved by the scholarship committee. (A Graduate program description from the university must accompany the application if the degree is not listed above)

The college or university must be an accredited school of higher learning.

A personal interview will be required of the top three candidates as determined by the Scholarship Committee at a time and location selected by the Committee.