What’s in a name?
For many students who are recipients of the Foundation’s named awards, names mean they are able to secure the funds necessary to pursue cutting edge field research toward a doctorate or master’s degree.
Names mean veterans returning to civilian life who want to pursue their college education have the opportunity to complete their undergraduate geoscience degree.
Names mean university geoscience libraries will be able to offer students access to newly released publications, keeping relevant industry information in the hands of aspiring geoscientists.
Names mean undergraduate students and their student associations will be able to attend field camps and buy gear necessary to explore, furthering their experience in the field.
Granting a Legacy
The AAPG Foundation is fortunate to have a roster of more than 100 named funds specifically designated for educational initiatives and targeted to those interested in advancing their knowledge of the geosciences.
With contributions ranging from $13,250 to $50,000, and sometimes more, generous donors continue to build a legacy that will support future generations of geoscientists. That legacy will long support the ability of geoscientists and geoscience students to make their research and educational dreams realities.
Each year, the many named grants through the Foundation’s Grants-in-Aid program are distributed to students who have shown excellence in their research proposals.
The application cycle for 2016 recently closed and the Education Awards Committee, led by Chairman Mike Unger, has convened to begin scoring the hundreds of applications received.
Throughout the process, the committee will work hard to match the Foundation’s named funds with students whose research focus and university affiliation most closely match each donors’ designated purpose and university.
A Grant By Any Other Name …
Many donors contribute gifts in their own names, while others give in honor of friends and colleagues.
For example, long-time supporter Michael S. Johnson, who has a named grant established in his name with designation for a student researcher at Ohio State University, recently made generous contributions to the Foundation for two additional named grants. Mr. Johnson graciously chose to honor two long-time friends.
The first gift established a new grant honoring John W. Robinson, who designated his named scholarship for a student at the Colorado School of Mines.
His second contribution honored William Barrett by adding to his existing grant, which is designated to support a student at Kansas State University.
Gifts like Mr. Johnson’s make an enormous difference to students training for a career in geoscience by alleviating some of the financial burden, giving them more freedom to concentrate on research.
There are many ways you can create a gift in your name or the name of a family member, friend or colleague. Grants-in-Aid funds are established with a one-time contribution of $25,000.
Learn more about setting up a fund in yours or someone else’s name by visiting the Foundation website at foundation.aapg.org or calling 1-918-560-2644.