This scholarship was established to honor Edward A. Hamilton who served 38 years in the Memphis Fire Department, the last 14 of them as chief. During this period, he led the Memphis Fire Department to a top-ranked position among fire departments in the United States. He served as a member of the National Fire Advisory Committee, was a member of the Technical Services Committee of the National Fire Protection Association, and was active in annual Fire Department Instructor's Conferences. After retiring from the Memphis Fire Department, Eddie Hamilton served as a Vice-President of Guardsmark until his death in 1984.

Firefighters and dependents of firefighters who are either incoming students or currently enrolled at the University of Memphis and in need of financial assistance are invited to apply for the Edward A. Hamilton Firefighter Scholarship. The scholarship will assist with educational costs up to $1500.

A special committee will select a recipient for this scholarship each year. All applicants will be notified of the decision.  Those applicants not chosen to receive the scholarship are allowed to reapply.

To apply for 2011-2012 scholarship -
Complete and turn in the application by April 1, 2011 to:

The University of Memphis
Edward A. Hamilton Scholarship Program
University College
218 Brister Hall
Memphis, TN 38152

Edward A. Hamilton Scholarship application.