Bernard Scholarship

Jack and Flo Bernard were faculty members who were intimately involved in the biology program at Ithaca College.

Flo taught the beginning course(s) in biology for 27 years. She had the ability to connect with non-majors and to get them interested in the subject. In her research, she was perhaps the first person to describe and publish the flowering process in Wolffia australiana, a small, floating aquatic plant. Jack contributed to the department in  many ways, including teaching advanced biology courses and  Ecology to Biology majors, and botany to non-science majors; conducting research on wetland ecosystems; and serving as the department chair during his 37 years at the College. He served on a number of faculty committees including the C.P. Snow and the IC Sports Hall of Fame committees. He was the 2nd president of the IC chapter of Phi Kappa Phi and the Faculty Representative to the NCAA. Jack, together with two other biology faculty, was Principal investigator on a $375,000 NSF grant, which was awarded to construct the modern plant growth facilities in the New Science Building.

Many of their students went on for further study in medicine, physical therapy, and associated sciences. The Bernards were an inspiration to thousands of students, and both Flo and Jack considered their interactions with students to be the most important part of their careers at Ithaca College. This scholarship honors their commitment to helping students.

This scholarship is awarded to Juniors and Seniors in the biological science program based on financial need and good academic standing.