The family of the late Dr. Ann Q. Tiller has presented a challenge to the campaign for the Tiller Memorial Scholarship Endowment in international studies, promising to match the next $6,000 donated to the endowment. Established in 1993, the scholarship “celebrates the accomplishments and commemorates the dedication” of Tiller, founder of UST’s pioneering International Studies program.

In 2006 and 2007, generous gifts from Dr. Tiller’s family ignited a new drive to fund the scholarship. Currently the endowment is within $7,000 of its initial goal. In its present phase, the campaign’s two objectives are to maximize international studies alumni participation and increase the endowment to $75,000. After this figure is reached, the first Tiller Scholarship can be awarded to a qualified upper-division undergraduate international studies major. The scholarship will be granted annually on the basis of academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.

Dr. Tiller, a noted Brazilian scholar who made many expeditions into the Amazon to study indigenous spiritual and health practices, joined UST in 1966 as assistant professor of history. In 1972 she was appointed chair of the History Department. The international studies program began the next year and the major was approved in 1975. In many lectures and writings Dr. Tiller consistently maintained that American higher education “has a duty to prepare people to cope with the many world problems that are already on the scene…(and) to provide… an understanding of the overwhelming global issues that can already be seen on the horizon of the 21st century.”

In March 1981, in response to the success of the program and Dr. Tiller’s persevering leadership, the University established its landmark Center for International Studies. Dr. Tiller was named director effective June 1 of that year. Sadly, 37 days later she died suddenly of a rare viral attack.

The endowment aims to inspire future “Tiller Scholars” to emulate Dr. Tiller’s example and fulfill her vision. The Endowment Campaign Team comprises Associate Professor Emeritus of International Studies William J. Cunningham, Dr. Tiller’s daughter, Faith Tiller Bryan, and international studies alumni Daniel Stoecker ’80, Deborah Carter Churm ’81, Adela Figueredo Parlette ’89, Jon Vague ’90, Graciela Malacara ’96 and Marty Thomas ’99.

The ultimate campaign goal is to raise $325,000. This will permit four scholarship awards to be given annually to high performing upper-division international studies majors.

All donations are welcome and can be made by clicking here.

Donations can also be mailed to: Ann Tiller Scholarship Fund, Office of Institutional Advancement, University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006-4696. Checks should be made payable to the University of St. Thomas, referencing Tiller Scholarship in the memo line.