Robert D. Bentley Scholarship
A lead gift from Michael and Jeannette Walen of Houston, Texas established the Robert D. Bentley Scholarship to benefit geology majors at Central Washington University.
The scholarship funds up to a year of in-state tuition and fees for an undergraduate major in the Department of Geological Sciences with an interest in structural geology, field geology and/or natural resource geology.
Interested in contributing to this scholarship to support undergraduate students? We are actively seeking to grow this fund. Find out how you can support us.
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2025 Awardee
Lynsie Pierce
I moved from California to Washington in 2022. When I attended the local high school, I had to complete at least one job shadow. I was informed of a local company who would be happy to have me job shadow some of their Geologists. After the job shadow, I came to the conclusion that Geology was for me.
I realized that unlike the other fields I had been considering, being a Geologist was something I could see myself being genuinely happy with. My interests currently lie in Metamorphic Geology, Igneous Geology, and Economic Geology.
Currently, my plan for the future involves graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and possibly a GIS certificate. After I will be looking for a position close to family where I can gain experience and seniority. I am hoping to pursue a Master of Science in Geology later in my career.
Thank you. I am incredibly grateful for this award.
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Prior Recipients
The following students have been recipients of this generous scholarship:
- 2024: Tatum Smith
- 2023: Sarah Cravy
- 2022: Jillian Bludworth, Kathryn Josten, Carley Preator, Ariel Williams
- 2018: Trent Adams
- 2017: Dan Mongovin
- 2016: Cameron Burns
- 2015: Rebecca Stratis
- 2014: Kevin Knapp
- 2013: Rose Borden
- 2012: Jesse Walters
- 2011: Brittany Fagin
- 2010: Brad Pitcher
- 2009: Jeff Dermond
- 2008: Ryan Hardwick
- 2007: Carol Webber
- 2006: Tessa Buswell
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