Giving

Why give to the Department of Geological Sciences?

The faculty and staff in the department are committed to advancing the educational and scholarly mission of the university. However, limited financial resources limit our ability to develop educational opportunities that benefit our students. Despite the fact that we are a public university, only 13% of the university’s funding originates from the State of Oregon. This percentage was once much higher, but budget cuts during economic downturns over the past two decades have forced the legislature to shrink appropriations for higher education. As a result, our undergraduate students are constantly faced with rising tuition, which makes college a financial challenge for many. Additionally, the department’s budget is stretched in an effort to support our graduate students through teaching assistantships and research grants. Fortunately, many of our alumni and friends share our educational and scholarly ideals, and help to support our efforts through financial gifts.

There are a number of ways that alumni, parents, and friends of the department can provide support. A donor may choose to contribute to an existing fund that helps to support students as well as departmental activities. Additionally, we are willing to work with donors who wish to establish new endowed funds that target a specific group or is designated for a specific purpose. We also welcome unrestricted donations that can be directed towards emerging needs.

The text below lists existing funds as well as departmental needs. Specific information on how one can give to the department can be found at the bottom of this page.

The department has a number of endowed funds that support both undergraduate and graduate students as they work towards their degree. Other established funds support faculty scholarship and research within the department.

• Ewart and Margaret Baldwin Scholarship Endowment Fund: This fund supports graduate students in Geological Sciences doing research in sedimentology, stratigraphy, or paleontology.
• Condon Scholarship Fund: This fund provides support of graduate students in Geological Sciences doing research in paleontology.
• Geology Departmental Fund: This is a general fund that is used to receive and administer unrestricted donations supporting a wide range of departmental activities including seminars, equipment, and outreach.
• Geology Emeritus Faculty Tribute Award Endowment Fund: Provides support of undergraduate students to help defray the costs of summer field camp, summer support of graduate students, or other related purposes. This fund was established in honor of all emeritus faculty in the department.
• Lloyd W. Staples Scholarship Award Endowment Fund: This fund provides meritorious awards to graduate and undergraduate geology students interested in mineralogy or economic geology.
• James C. and Mary Douglass Stovall Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund: This fund provides financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Geological Sciences.
• Majorie C. Thayer Scholarship Endowment Fund: Provides support of graduate students in Geological Sciences to do field work in an area related to environmental issues.
• H. P. and Carrie Meierjurgen Professorship Endowment Fund: This fund is used to support visiting scientists who spend a term in residence within the Department of Geological Sciences. Recipients collaborate with our faculty and graduate students, and conduct research while in the department. More information about this fellowship is available here.

• Funds are needed to help defray field trip expenses for our undergraduates.
• Funds are needed to support a postdoctoral student who can contribute to ongoing research efforts by faculty and students in the department.
• Funds are needed to support activities of the undergraduate and graduate geology club, which brings together students who share a common interest in the earth sciences.
• Funds are needed to renovate the second floor of Volcanology Hall and improve space for graduate student offices, faculty offices, and a dedicated undergraduate office.
• Funds are needed to support the Departmental Seminar where leading researchers from throughout the US are invited to share their recent research discoveries with students and faculty.
• Funds are needed to support the travel expenses of graduate students who present their research results at scientific conferences such as the national AGU and GSA meetings.
• Funds are needed to purchase equipment for teaching and research, including computers as well as lab and field equipment.

Donations to the department should be directed to the UO Foundation who administers all private gifts to the University of Oregon. There are multiple ways for you to make a contribution.

If you wish to make a donation using your credit-card, complete the on-line form. The form should automatically direct your donation to the Geology Department general fund. If you have problems with the online giving form, contact the UO Foundation webmaster webmaster@uofoundation.org or call (541)302-0287.

If you prefer to make a donation by check, mail your check directly to the UO Foundation using the following address.

Your check should be made payable to the UO Foundation. Include the department’s name on the memo line.

The UO Foundation can also handle gifts in the form of financial securities, property, or matching gift programs sponsored by your employer.

Your donation, whether it is large or small, is greatly appreciated!