Denker-Graves Scholarship in Real Estate

In 1978, Ross Wheeler created the Urban A. Denker Scholarship Fund on behalf of the Wheeler, Kelly & Hagny Investment Company. Their original scholarship memorialized Urban Denker, former president of the company and a real estate professional with the firm for more than 50 years. Mr. Denker was responsible for the development of many early subdivisions on the eastside of Wichita. Following the passing of Earl Graves, another member of the firm and developer for more than 40 years, the scholarship was renamed the Denker-Graves Scholarship/Fellowship in Real Estate. The scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to Mr. Denker and Mr. Graves and their contributions to the City of Wichita.

The Denker-Graves Scholarship in Real Estate annually supports a student majoring in real estate that demonstrates need, leadership skills, and demonstrates the potential for meaningful contribution to the real estate profession and industry. Scholarship applications are typically due by mid-February each year.

Scholarship guidelines:

  1. One (1) scholarship will be awarded annually to a student enrolled full time at Wichita State University in the W. Frank Barton School of Business.
  2. No recipient will be excluded from consideration based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a veteran or disability.
  3. Recipient must be enrolled in a major with an emphasis in Real Estate.
  4. Recipient must have involvement in real estate organizations such as, but not restricted to, the Rho Epsilon Real Estate Fraternity.
  5. Priority consideration will be given to overall ability and achievement as opposed to grade point average alone.
  6. Priority consideration will be given to leadership qualities, participation and service to the real estate  program, the college and the university, and the student’s potential for making a meaningful contribution to the real estate profession and industry.
  7. Award will be made without regard to financial need.
  8. The Scholarship Office, a department within the Division of Campus Life and University Relations of Wichita State University, will administer the scholarship and make the award based on the recommendation submitted by the director of the Center for Real Estate and the W. Frank Barton School of Business.
  9. The scholarship may be renewed as long as the recipient continues to meet the above criteria.

To apply for a real estate scholarship at WSU, visit the Barton School of Business home page and download the General Business School Scholarship Application form.