Scholarships for Geology Students
Scholarships awarded by the Geology Scholarship Committee are made possible by generous donors. Award opportunities range from tuition & fees related to required geology field courses (i.e., GEOL 210 & GEOL 489), student research expenses (both at the undergraduate and graduate level), and student-led field trips. Awards range between $250 to $2500 based on demonstrated financial need and academic merit.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
Application Deadlines: Varies, please contact Hannah Shamloo shamlooh@cwu.edu for more information
James and Jean Hinthorne Scholarship
The Hinthorne fund was established in 2019 with a founding donation from CWU Emeritus Professor Jim Hinthorne and his wife Jean. Jim moved from private industry to CWU in 1980 when Geology was first established as an independent department. He served as chair from 1980-1991 and was a dedicated undergraduate advisor and mineralogist until his retirement in 2001.
Funds from this award support geology student expenses related to undergraduate research in geology, and tuition and fees related to undergraduate field courses.
Past recipients of the Hinthorne Scholarship.
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 with an interest in structural geology, field geology and/or natural resource geology. Bob Bentley taught at CWU from 1969 to 1998. Bob's field courses - both in central Washington and near Blythe, California - were legendary for their intensity, depth of knowledge, and their contribution to Bentley's ongoing field work.
Funds from this award support undergraduate geology majors' participation in field-based courses that carry fees in addition to tuition.
Past recipients of the Bentley Scholarship
Don Ringe Scholarship
In 2021, Mitch Ringe and Brad Ringe, Don’s children, established the Dr. Louis Don and Ann Ringe Endowed Grant to support undergraduate student research. Don Ringe began teaching at CWU in 1968, prior to the establishment of the department, and retired in 1993. He taught a broad range of geology courses featuring his famous slide collection - each lecture was packed with visuals.
The Don Ringe fund supports geology undergraduate research. The funds can be used for analytical fees, gas, supplies, field expenses etc. This scholarship does not support field camp.
Meghan Miller Endowed Scholarship
Meghan Miller is a former CWU professor and department chair, as well as a former dean of the College of Sciences. “We all like to have an impact on the things that we value,” said Miller. “I am very fortunate that I became a geologist in a time that many opportunities were open to women that had not been open to our older sisters, mothers, and grandmothers. That has always been an influence in my life, hoping to ensure that access can be expanded for any talent that comes forward prepared to take on the challenges and questions that can be addressed by science.”
Miller was instrumental in guiding the pre-planning for colocation of the natural sciences in Discovery Hall and advanced the project through university and state prioritization processes with tenacity and diligence. A room in Discovery Hall will be named The M. Meghan Miller Conference Room in recognition of her contributions dating back to 1992. This room will be used as a meeting space for students, faculty, and staff and will include the latest technology to enhance learning and communication.
The M. Meghan Miller Endowment advances participation in Geology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Supported activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Student research projects, including field work associated with upper division or graduate course work.
- Student presentations at professional meetings when grants or other sources of funding are not available to support participation.
- Activities that advance recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty committed to cultivating student research.
- New field trips proposed by students, which may be led by faculty or invited guests, and open to department-wide participation.
- Small grants for childcare to enable students to conduct field work, participate in field trips or classes, or to present at professional meetings.
Other scholarships
Scholarships offered outside the Department but with a geology emphasis
C. Farrell Fine Arts & Research Scholarship
The C. Farrell Fine Arts & Research Scholarship was established for full-time sophomore, junior, and senior students enrolled at CWU who demonstrate superior scholastic and/or creative achievement. This scholarship provides tuition, a $200 book allowance, and approved project costs. Open to fine art majors planning to undertake a specific project in connection with their major program OR any student attempting to accomplish a specific research project in the archeology, geology, or history of the Kittitas Valley. See the scholarship webpage for more information and how to apply.
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