Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship


This award was established by the Kaatz family to honor the memory of Martin Kaatz who taught in the Department of Geography and Land Studies from 1952 until his retirement in the 1980s. He was a highly respected teacher and researcher and served as chair of the department for 15 years. His expertise in land use planning and careful approach to problem solving made Marty an invaluable member of many local, regional, and state. In 1980, Dr. Kaatz was named CWU's Distinguished Professor of Public Service. Marty was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed cross-country skiing. The insights he gained through his exploration of our region were instrumental to his teaching, research, and service.

Congratulations are extended to the following students who have received an award:

2025 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipients

  • Landon Sanchey

2024 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipients

  • Kaila Akina

2023 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipients

  • John Dahm
  • Cassandra Pierpont

2022 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipients

  • Courtney Feeney
  • Janet Vanleuven-Kern

2021 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipients

  • Eileen Kelsey
  • Garrett Miller
  • Jess Swanson

2020 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipients

  • Connor Hayes
  • Jovana Zamora

2019 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipient

  • Ryan Waldbillig

2018 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipient

  • Andrew McDonald

2017 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipient

  • Amanda Williams

2016 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipient

  • Lacey Myers

2015 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipient

  • Forrest Beard

2014 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipient

  • Megan Cline

2013 Martin Kaatz Geography Scholarship Recipient

  • Anthony Braun

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