Charles Haynie Memorial Student Award
The Charles Haynie Memorial Award honors the legacy of Professor Charles Haynie (1935–2001), a dedicated educator, civil rights activist, and advocate for social justice who taught in the University at Buffalo’s Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Degree Programs.
About Charles Haynie
Professor Haynie was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a field director to register Black voters in Tennessee in the 1960s and joining the second group of Freedom Riders in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was jailed for advocating integration. His career at UB began in 1969, teaching experimental courses at Tolstoy College. Known for his left-wing perspective, he was one of the "Faculty 45," a group of faculty arrested during an anti-war sit-in at Hayes Hall in 1970. Beyond UB, he worked to ease racial tensions, organized Unity Day rallies, and protested nuclear power plants.
The award is presented annually to a UB student who embodies Haynie’s commitment to social justice and responsible citizenship.
A Memoir of the New Left: The Political Autobiography of Charles A. Haynie
Jump to:
- Must be a senior or second-semester junior majoring in Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Degree Programs.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Must submit a completed application including responses to the questions below and two letters of recommendation.
Written Statement
Please respond to the following three questions:
- What does social justice mean to you? (max 500 words)
Share how your life experiences have shaped your understanding and commitment to social justice. - What activities exemplify your commitment to social justice? (max 500 words)
Highlight academic, career-related, or extracurricular activities that reflect your dedication to these ideals. - What are your future goals and aspirations? (max 500 words)
Explain how your goals align with the pursuit of social justice after completing your undergraduate degree.
Interview:
Selected candidates will be invited to an interview with the scholarship committee.
Pro Tip:
Your written responses should be thoughtful, clear and reflective answers that demonstrate commitment to social justice
Pro Tip:
In your interview, you'll need to articulate your dedication and aspirations.
Candidates are encouraged to utilize campus resources for assistance:
- Center for Writing Excellence: For refining application responses.
- Career Design Center: For interview preparation.
Charles Haynie Award Application Form
Submission Deadline: April 3 by 5 p.m.