Scholarships
Robert and Sheila Challey Music Scholarships
Established in 2006, the NDSU Challey Scholarship Fund is committed to attracting and sustaining the finest music students in the region.
Scholarships for music majors are available on the basis of need, academic achievement, musicianship, and service to the music department. Please note these scholarships are intended for music majors.
Bill Euren Fellowship
Named in honor of the uncle of Robert Challey and Director of Bands at NDSU from 1948-1968, the Euren Fellowship is awarded to an incoming music major each year and will be equivalent to full tuition costs for four years.
Myrtle Euren Challey Scholarship
The amount of these awards named in honor of Robert Challey’s mother is at least one-quarter the amount of full tuition for four years.
Patricia Yvonne Bizicki Scholarship
Named in honor of Sheila Challey’s mother, the amount of these awards is at least one-quarter the amount of full tuition for four years.
Robert and Sheila Challey Scholarships
These are additional awards of significant support that are presented to both incoming and continuing majors in music.
Scholarship BrochureHow to Apply for a Music Scholarship
To apply for a music scholarship, please follow the steps below. One completed application form is sufficient for consideration for all departmental and Challey scholarships. If you have any questions, please contact us at ndsu.music@ndsu.edu.
Scholarship Auditions
- Complete the online scholarship application form prior to your audition date:
- Attend our Music Scholarship Audition Days for voice or instrumental students* on either January 23 or February 2, 2026. Register to select an audition date and time:
If neither of these dates work for your schedule, contact us at ndsu.music@ndsu.edu to arrange an audition on a different date.
*If you are a piano student, please contact Dr. Tyler Wottrich directly at tyler.wottrich@ndsu.edu to schedule an audition.
- Review the audition requirements here.
- Review the Scholarship Audition Frequently Asked Questions.
Other NDSU Scholarship Opportunities
NDSU is proud of the number of academically talented students who enter the university each year. In addition to any music scholarships and other forms of financial aid, each year NDSU awards nearly $3.5 million in scholarships to new first-year students. In fact, nearly half of this year’s first-year students received an award.
Scholarship applications for current and incoming students received by February 1, 2026 will receive priority when distributing scholarships.
To apply for First-Year Student or Transfer Student scholarships, please use the links below.
First-Year Student Scholarships Transfer Student ScholarshipsREMEMBER: Be sure to observe the criteria and deadline for each scholarship. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the scholarship application and respond to all additional questions posted.
If you have questions, please contact: ndsu.music@ndsu.edu
About Robert and Sheila Challey
A native Fargoan, Robert is the son of the late Clyde and Myrtle Challey, both NDSU graduates. Myrtle Challey taught Food and Nutrition at NDSU during the 1960s. Robert’s uncle was Bill Euren, director of the NDSU Gold Star Band from 1948-1968. Robert, Sheila, and their three children live in Danville and Lake Tahoe, California. He is chairman of the board of The Park Place Group, a real estate development and investment company in Walnut Creek, California.
Robert graduated from NDSU in 1967, where he participated in the Gold Star Band as a drum major and trombonist. He was vice president of the student body, a student senator, a member of Blue Key Honor Society, and a producer of the musical Oklahoma.
In 1981 Robert was elected to the NDSU Development Foundation Board of Trustees and in that capacity has served on numerous committees and advisory boards. He also serves as a director and treasurer for the Smuin Ballet of San Francisco and was instrumental in two Smuin Ballet performances in Fargo. NDSU named Robert an Alumni Achievement Award recipient in 1986 and in 2002 he was honored with the Development Foundation’s Service Award.