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Barbara and Si Sokol Scholarship in Sexuality Studies

The Barabra & Si Sokol Scholarship in Sexuality Studies Award

Barbara and Si Sokol were longtime supporters of gender and sexual minorities in the Columbus Community. Private donors generously created this undergraduate scholarship to honor the Sokols and support students dedicated to sexuality studies. Priority is given to students enrolled in the LGBTQ+ Minor and who are members of University organizations that are open to all and advance the educational and professional needs of LGBTQ students. 

For the 2025-2026 application cycle, one applicant will be awarded $1,500.

The Barabra & Si Sokol Scholarship in Sexuality Studies Award

Eligibility:

Undergraduate students in LGBTQ+ Studies with a record of excellence in scholarship and a commitment to LGBTQ+ Studies.

Application:

  • Essay (500-1000 words) that explains your interest in LGBTQ+ Studies, what impact LGBTQ+ studies has made on you, and how your studies can make positive change.
  • Provide an academic reference letter and a pdf file of your advising report from Buckeyelink.
  • DEADLINE: submit your application to alkhalifa.2@osu.edu by March 1st, 2026.

Congratulations to Annamarie Jowanovitz (2025 Winner)!

 

Photo of Annamarie Jowanovitz, our 2025 Barbara and Si Sokol Award Receipien

 

My name is Annamarie, and I am a fourth-year psychology major minoring in both LGBTQ+ studies and substance misuse and addiction studies. I will graduate Ohio State in May 2026, and I plan on pursuing a Master of Social Work in the fall. I hope to become a medical social worker with a focus on treating and advocating for vulnerable populations. 
 
I applied to the Barbara and Si Sokol Scholarship spring semester of my third year and was fortunate enough to be selected. The WGSS department has had a profound impact on my career trajectory, and applying to the scholarship was a perfect opportunity to showcase my growth. I began as a WGSS minor, but I switched to LGBTQ+ studies my sophomore year because I have a specific interest in working with queer populations. As a queer woman myself, I enjoy expressing and supporting my community through protests and activism. Minoring in LGBTQ+ studies allows me to also advocate for my community using an academic lens. My minor courses have provided opportunities to volunteer, foster invaluable relationships with professors, and engage in the Columbus queer scene. The scholarship award elevates some burden of graduate school cost and allows me more freedom to pursue programs that match my interests. I am thankful for the support of the WGSS faculty and look forward to celebrating the next recipient of this generous award.