O’Jack Scholarship Description: A $1,000 award is made annually to a masters or doctoral student who demonstrates promise in the field of mental health practice or research. Applications are invited from doctoral students and candidates. Nominations of promising masters students are accepted by the O’Jack Scholarship Award Committee. Applicants and nominated individuals should demonstrate commitment to the delivery of mental health services in rural or urban areas. Substantive interests that promote interdisciplinary practice or research in mental health are encouraged. Applicants and/or nominated individuals should:

• Be a masters or doctoral student in the College of Social Work
• Evidence commitment to the advancement of mental health services
• Evidence promise as a mental health practitioner or researcher; and
• Have prior experience in the field of mental health.

Selection Process and Criteria: The O’Jack Award Committee includes a PhD Committee faculty representative and a faculty member teaching in the mental health area. Criteria will include experience in mental health practice and/or research and commitment to scholarly activities in mental health, excellence in course work, personal time and energy, contributions to the University at large, published papers, conference presentations, and related activities.

O’Jack Application Letter: There is not a formal application form but four (4) copies of an application letter should be submitted to the University of Utah College of Social Work PhD Program, at 395 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, and should include the following:

1. Date of Application
2. Subject: O’Jack Applicaiton
3. Contact Information: Name, Address, Telephone(s), E-mail Address
4. Year in PhD Program: Applicant, 1st Year, 2nd Year, Pre-Candidate, Candidate
5. Paragraph describing substantive, service, and research interests in issues of concern to women.
6. Attachment: A three page or less description of your research project or dissertation if you have identified your topic as an area of future study.
7. Attachment: Curriculum vitae which summarizes experiences, scholarly activities, and interests in women and their families.

Award Background: Jamal O’Jack graduated from the UofCA-Berkeley in the early 1960's and later earned a masters degree in psychiatric social work at Catholic University in Washington D.C. Jamal married Stanislav Gergre in 1979 and the couple moved to Wyoming. An earlier marriage had produced two blinddaughters which kindled O’Jack’s interest in founding a blind skiing program at the Jackson Hole Ski Resort. During her years at Jackson Hole, Jamal worked at Teton Community Mental Health Center and also maintained a private practice. In keeping with her insatiable need to learn, Jamal obtained a masters degree in public health at San Diego State where she worked with the homeless and victims of AIDS. In the mid-1980's, Jamal and her husband returned to Wyoming where she took new interest in rural mental health practice. Always eager to learn, Jamal entered the UofU Graduate School of Social Work in 1990. Jamal is remembered at the UofU for her enthusiasm for new knowledge and her gentle approach with people. Her passion for education was contagious and she made a significant impact on the lives of students and faculty in her short time here in Utah. The College of Social Work is pleased to be in a position to offer this award.