Colleen A. McHorney ’78 Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established through the estate plans of Colleen A. McHorney ’78 (d. 2021) to support and encourage students who demonstrate an interest and acumen in the study of science and who are in need of financial assistance.

Colleen earned her B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from SUNY Oswego and went on to earn two Master’s degrees – one from Brown University and one from Western Kentucky University – and a PhD in Sociology from Brown University. Her career included tenured faculty positions and a subsequent 30+ year career in health services research focusing on integrating the patient voice into health research within the pharmaceutical industry. Colleen conceptualized and validated the Adherence Estimator®, a simple research tool that is widely used by clinicians to identify patients who may be at risk for medication non-adherence. She published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, 6 book chapters, made over 115 presentations at professional conferences, and has been cited more than 25,000 times, making her one of the most highly cited health services researchers in the world.

She placed great value on the education she received at SUNY Oswego as it was the springboard to her long prolific career. She also recognized the work of other women scientists of her time and who preceded her and their contribution to their respective fields. Through all her work in all of her varying positions, Colleen always found time to mentor junior scientists, wanting and pushing them to succeed. She desired to establish a scholarship at her alma mater to continue that tradition.To qualify for this award, a student must:
a. Be a biology, physics, chemistry, zoology or atmospheric and geological sciences major.
b. Apply in sophomore or junior year for an award to be received in the subsequent academic year.
c. Have demonstrated financial need.
d. Be involved in a club or organization related to major.
e. Provide a personal statement describing interest in the pursuit of a science degree/career.
f. Provide an essay on how female scientists have made a significant contribution to the field of study.