NAU Giving Day is an excellent day to invest in the next generation of science innovators! Looking for a way to make an impact? Here are some great options:
Dr. Thomas D. Sisk Graduate Fellowship in Conservation Science
Inspiring Excellence
Dr. Thomas D. Sisk was a pioneer in science-based landscape-level analysis of wildlife habitat and the engagement of diverse voices in conservation planning. His research and teaching focused on the science-policy interface to inform on-the-ground management and policy development. He taught ecology, conservation biology, and environmental policy and retired from NAU the summer of 2021. The Thomas D Sisk Graduate Fellowship in Conservation Science will serves as a tool to recruit and support the next generation of conservation leaders who mirror the diverse demographics of the communities of the southwest.
Paul Umhoefer Professorship, School of Earth and Sustainability
Inspiring Excellence
Dr. Paul Umhoefer came to NAU in 1992 after extensive research in Alaska, British Columbia, and Mexico. Paul spent the next 30 years advising graduate students, teaching and sharing his enthusiasm for tectonics, sedimentary basins and geosciences as a whole.
In 2021, Paul and his wife, Barbara Ralston, established the Paul Umhoefer Endowed Professorship in the School of Earth and Sustainability. The professorship is intended to attract an eminent scholar whose work in tectonics and sedimentary basins will substantially advance the discipline. Paul passed away suddenly on November 24, 2021. This fund will carry on his legacy supporting future generations of students and faculty in SES.
Impactful Opportunities
Dr. Rominger was a Professor of Botany at NAU from 1963 to 1990. He was the 1977 NAU Homecoming Dedicatee and an immensely popular botany professor and noted agrostologist. Their dedication to the welfare and success of their students left an indelible impact on all who knew both James and his wife, Redonda. Dr. Rominger passed away in 2015, and his wife Redonda passed on Christmas Day 2023 at the age of 91. Their legacy of student support lives on through this scholarship.
Impactful Opportunities
This fund enables the Dean of CEFNS to invest in priority educational priorities, teaching or financial assistance needs.
Inspiring Excellence
Dr. Michael Wagner enjoyed a 30-year career as a Professor of Forest Entomology at NAU and was named a Regents Professor in 1999. Dr. Wagner created this internship award for undergraduate and graduate students in the research of Monarch ecology, and development of habitat for Monarch butterflies, particularly identifying new Monarch overwintering sites.
Innovative Distinction
This Fund will provide support in two areas: formal study abroad forestry courses and financial assistance for graduate students providing oral research papers at international conferences.
Brewing and Fermentation Science Discretionary Fund, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Innovative Distinction
Funds are used to support student and faculty projects such as equipment, travel and other costs necessary for learning and development activities in the Brewing and Fermentation Science Program.
Inclusive Engagement
Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science (SparCQS), which is operated out of NAU’s ¡MIRA!, is an educational outreach initiative that brings hands-on quantum science experiences to communities WHERE THEY ARE! The SparCQS team, which is mainly composed of NAU undergraduate and graduate students, reaches even the most remote locations in Arizona and to date has travelled over 15000 miles, reached over 27000 people at community events, and worked with over 7000 K-12 students in their schools.
Contributions will support participating NAU students as they gain confidence, science awareness and build science communication skills. Support our NAU undergraduate and graduate students on their way to become 100% Career Ready and develop into innovative and effective scientists, engineers, and community engagers.
If you're interested in exploring additional programs at ¡MIRA! that support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice initiatives in STEM, take a look at the ¡MIRA! Scholars Program!
Inclusive Engagement
This fund provides contributions to the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science by supporting students in undergraduate research and travel.
