Published March 11, 2025
CAPTION:(L-R) ULM Provost and VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Mark Arant, Lana Forte, Dr. Frank
Bruscato, Dr. Vince Forte, ULM President Dr. Ron Berry, ULM Dean of the College of
Arts, Education, and Sciences Dr. John Pratte
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe announced the creation of the Dr. Frank Bruscato
Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Chemistry and Leadership at a press conference
on March 10. Dr. Bruscato was a professor of chemistry at ULM for 43 years. He retired
in 2007. The scholarship was established with a $25,000 gift from Dr. Vince Forte,
a former student of Dr. Bruscato, and his wife, Lana Forte.
The scholarship is designated for deserving chemistry and/or pre-med students to enable
them to pursue their college degree but, as importantly, give them awareness on the
prerequisites necessary to make a formal application to medical school. This scholarship
will recognize students who embody the core values of hard work, empathy, service
to others, integrity, and honesty in their academic and personal lives.
Dr. Vince Forte is a locally practicing physician who credits Dr. Frank Bruscato with
inspiring him to pursue a career in medicine. After Dr. Forte took Dr. Bruscato’s
organic chemistry class at ULM (then NLU), the two formed a friendship that has lasted
for 40 years.
“It’s an honor to stand before you today to recognize and celebrate an individual
whose unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and leadership has shaped the
lives of countless people. Today we’re here not just to express our gratitude but
to ensure that Dr. Bruscato’s impact will continue for generations to come through
this lifetime endowed scholarship,” said Dr. Forte.
Dr. Bruscato expressed gratitude as he addressed the crowd gathered at the press conference.
“I am humbled to the greatest degree by all of you that are here today and the generosity
of a former student who made a difference in his life by coming here and developing
his family and his practice. I was so fortunate to be on this campus for over 43 years.
I’d like to thank you for the honor and recognition of this scholarship established
in my name,” said Bruscato.
Students wishing to receive the Dr. Frank Bruscato Endowed Scholarship for Excellence
in Chemistry and Leadership must be a full-time sophomore, junior, or senior student
majoring in pre-med or chemistry with the intention of applying to medical school.
In addition to a minimum GPA of 3.7, applicants must provide lists of their community
service, as well as a personal statement detailing their motivation for pursuing a
medical degree. Dr. Forte says the rigorous application process for the scholarship
mirrors the preparation that will be required for students to apply to medical school.
The scholarship application process is intended to further prepare them for success
as they continue to work toward their medical degree.
The University of Louisiana Monroe Scholarship Office will award the scholarship based
upon the stated governing criteria and the Faculty Scholarship Committee recommendations.
As an endowment, no funds will ever be extracted from the initial gift. Annual awards
to students will be based on the earnings from the endowment and the spending policy
established by the ULM Foundation. For more information, please visit ulm.edu/scholarships.
ULM President Dr. Ron Berry thanked the Fortes for their recognition of Dr. Bruscato. “Thank
you for investing in the future of our students and for honoring the past of this
great university and so many lives that have been changed due to the efforts of Dr.
Bruscato,” said Dr. Berry.
“Great educators do more than just teach formulas and theories,” said Dr. Forte. “They
inspire, they challenge, and they uplift. Dr. Bruscato has embodied that truth in
every aspect of his career.” Dr. Forte closed by adding, “For me, this is not a financial
award, it’s a symbol of friendship and reflection of the mentorship that transforms
lives, and the commitment to continuing the legacy of an educator who has given so
much to this community.”
