Following her death, her husband, Mr. Archie B. Nourse, established this memorial fund to assist students who are studying to be either missionaries or ministers. Annual awards are made to a man or woman engaged in such a program of preparation. This award was established by Webster T. Petersen, a Drake alumnus, in memory of Beth Walters Petersen. One-half to full tuition. The tuition scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need with preference given to students unable to qualify for other scholarships.
Selection is made by a biology faculty committee.
It is awarded to undergraduate pre-ministerial or religious education students. The scholarship is applied by the Office of Student Financial Planning, upon recommendation from the English Department, toward the recipient's tuition and fees. Although the financial need of the student may be taken into consideration as a criteria for selection, financial need shall not be considered as the primary consideration. This award is funded by a bequest from Ethel R. Taylor. The scholarship is open to students of any major at the sophomore level or above.