Departmental and University Scholarships

All graduate and undergraduate students with good academic standing are encouraged to apply for competitive awards from national societies and agencies -- e.g., Sigma Xi, Geological Society of America and Society for Exploration Geophysics. The department will accept the same application used for soliciting external support towards requests for consideration for any of the departmental scholarship funds. Graduate students interested in being considered for any from among the Cooper, Wones, and Robinson-Holden awards should submit a single application. The Graduate Student Affairs Committee will review your application and select the appropriate award category. Application forms are outside Derring 4050. Unless otherwise specified, the departmental awards will be granted annually and will be presented at the Spring semester departmental graduation ceremony. For further information, contact Ms. Connie Lowe.

ALUMNI ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The fund is used to support outstanding students entering our geoscience undergraduate programs. The outstanding undergraduate students are to be nominated by the Undergraduate Student and Advising Committee and selected by the department Chair.

AUBREY E. ORANGE ENDOWED AWARD IN GEOPHYSICS

Awarded annually to a graduate student in geophysics. The selection is done by the Chair of the Department, in consultation with relevant faculty.

CHARLES EDWARD AND FRANCES PEPPIN SEARS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship is named to honor the memory of Charles Edward Sears, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geological Sciences and his wife Frances. For 39 years, Dr. Sears served the university as a teacher and mentor and touched the lives of hundreds of students who learned under him, as well as faculty who served with him. The scholarship will provide full or partial support to students who are enrolled or shall be at the time of receipt of scholarship funds, in the Department of Geological Sciences. Preference shall be given to students based on academic achievement.

CHARLES J. GOSE, JR. SCHOLARSHIP FOR GEOSCIENCES

Annual distributions of the Charles J. Gose, Jr. Scholarship for Geological Sciences shall be used to award whole or partial scholarships to students who are, or shall be at the time of receipt of scholarship funds, enrolled in Virginia Tech's College of Arts and Sciences, pursing a degree in Geological Sciences. Recipients of the Fund's scholarship aid may be referred to as "Gose Scholars."

BYRON COOPER MEMORIAL GEOSCIENCE FUND

The fund is used to support teaching and research with a focus in Appalachian geology and geophysics. Graduate students with research topics in Appalachian geology are encouraged to apply. An application must include a proposal plus a letter of support from the student's research advisor. The proposal, written by the student, should take the form of an application submitted to GSA. The letter of support should also follow the guidelines for that requested by the external funding agency.

DAVID AND RUTH HENDERSON SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is awarded in the spring of each year to students enrolled in or entering the areas of Geological Sciences, Physics, Biology, or Chemistry with a preference given to students in Geological Sciences. Applicants should be well-rounded, demonstrating a balance of academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities.

DAVID R. WONES GEOSCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The fund is used to support teaching, research and education in geological sciences. Graduate students undertaking projects in all aspects of earth sciences are encouraged to apply. An application must include a proposal plus a letter of support from the student's research advisor. The proposal, written by the student, should take the form of an application submitted to GSA. The letter of support should also follow the guidelines for that requested by the external funding agency.

HEATH ROBINSON-ROY J. HOLDEN GEOSCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The fund is used to support both undergraduate and graduate projects in geological sciences. Funds may be solicited for travel, analytical support, or as a monthly stipend. Students in geological sciences are encouraged to apply. An application must include a proposal plus a letter of support from the student's research advisor. The proposal, written by the student, should take the form of an application submitted to GSA. The letter of support should also follow the guidelines for that requested by the external funding agency.

GEOSCIENCES OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD

Awarded annually for the graduating senior with the best academic record. Consideration is given for achievements and awards received at VPI&SU. Students who graduate at the end of Fall semester are also considered for the award for that academic year.

GEOSCIENCE OUTSTANDING SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD

The Department of Geological Sciences at Virginia Tech is proud to honor the exceptional leadership and selfless contribution of students, with the "Outstanding Service Recognition Award." On the basis of involvement in student organizations, efforts volunteered for departmental functions (such as seminars, GSSRS, or field trips), leadership and guidance provided for peers (particularly undergraduates), and general enthusiasm, one graduate student and one undergraduate student are selected annually to receive this award. In particular, efforts "beyond the call of duty," with respect to basic student responsibilities, are critical. Winners are selected by a faculty vote and awarded honorary plaques during the May graduation ceremony. The purpose of this award is not only to commend special students, but also to express deep gratitude for the efforts and contributions that have improved the department during their time here.

GEOSCIENCE RESEARCH PRESENTATION AWARDS

The fund is used to support both undergraduate and graduate projects in geological sciences. Funds must be used for travel and registration costs to attend regional or national meetings. A copy of the accepted abstract (student must be senior author) and names of advisory faculty members should be submitted. Application deadline varies; please check with advisor for deadlines.

LEONARD AND MELVA HARRIS SCHOLARSHIP

This award is given to students from Southwestern Virginia entering or enrolled in the College of Science and who are planning to peruse a degree in one of the sciences. The student must demonstrate high academic achievement

LOWRY GEOSCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This fund is used to support costs towards attending field camp, preferably in the western U.S. Qualified students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are encouraged to apply. Two letters of recommendation from faculty are required. MATTHEW J. MIKULICH ENDOWED GEOPHYSICS SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit and need to a U.S. citizen, graduate student or an upper level undergraduate student majoring in geophysics.

C. G. "JAKE" TILLMAN TEACHING ENDOWED AWARDS

Two awards are given annually to recognize excellence in laboratory teaching by graduate students: one for beginning courses (1000-level or GEOL 2014) and one for upper-level courses. The award is given on the basis of student evaluations as well as documented innovations and/or enhancements to the curriculum.

WALLACE D. LOWRY ENDOWED GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

The criteria for awarding these scholarships: 1) Graduate students majoring in geosciences who are U.S. citizens and doing field work for their graduate research, and 2) demonstrated academic merit.