University of Michigan-Flint

This fund was established by Matthew Hilton-Watson’s wife, Sarah, their two children, Alexander and Catherine, as well as many friends, family, and colleagues who mourn the loss of a treasured spouse, father, friend, and teacher.  

Professor Hilton-Watson was born in Lexington, Kentucky on October 28, 1968, the son of Mark and Teresa Watson. He married Sarah Hilton in Frankfort, Kentucky on May 21, 1994.  He earned his B.A. and M.A. in French and Spanish, from the University of Kentucky in 1991 and 1993, respectively, and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2000.  Dr. Matthew Hilton-Watson joined the faculty of the University of Michigan-Flint as a lecturer cum assistant professor in 1997, was appointed as assistant professor in 2000, and was promoted to associate professor, with tenure, in 2006. He served as chair of the Foreign Languages Department. He was also the Director of the International and Global Studies Program, taught in the Honors Program and organized many special projects and events.   Professor Hilton-Watson died on March 16th, 2009 while doing what he loved—teaching.

Dr. Matt, as his students called him, was active in spearheading new projects; he worked with the Cultural Center planetarium to offer “Poetry Under the Stars,” a special program that highlighted foreign languages. Dr. Matt also led a group of students to Montreal, Canada for an alternative spring break experience. His contributions to this campus are numerous and valuable.

Words cannot fully describe what Dr. Matt meant to his students. He embodied all that is good about his profession. He gave of himself tirelessly, always trying to find a better way. His enthusiasm, his passion, and his love of knowledge were infectious and inspiring.  In the relatively short time he served the University of Michigan-Flint and its students, he left a huge impact on everyone that knew him and he will be sorely missed.

Scholarship Eligibility:

1. Applicants must be students enrolled at the University of Michigan-Flint at either the undergraduate or graduate level, and be in good academic standing
2. preference will be given for study outside the United Sates of a demonstrably different culture than the student's own
3. Funds may be used for courses sponsored and led by the University of Michigan-Flint faculty, for Honors program research, or for independent and/or otherwise organized study/research experiences that result in credit at the University of Michigan-Flint
4. Awards will be based on the merit of the student['s application materials and the faculty member's recommendation
5. Students must present an application which includes the signature of a faculty member verifying that the successful completion of the students' work will result in credit at this institution.

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