Anonymous Gift Boosts Scholarships for WSU STEM Students

Additional Media Contacts: Shelley Pressley, Director, Office of Undergraduate Research, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-0014, spressley@wsu.edu

Mary Sanchez Lanier, Assistant Vice Provost, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-2320, sanchez@wsu.edu

PULLMAN, Wash.—A recent $15,000 gift from an anonymous donor has increased scholarship funding available from the Office of Undergraduate Research for Washington State University students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

According to Mary Sanchez Lanier, assistant vice provost, the funds will be distributed in fall 2018 and will impact three main areas of need.

Peer Mentors, Professional Meetings, Ongoing Research

“We will be able to provide better scholarships to upper-division STEM students who are researchers themselves, but also work as official, knowledgeable peer mentors to other undergraduates exploring the possibilities and benefits of working with research faculty. The new funds will give peer mentors more support for their own research.

“The gift will help us to also support students who wish to attend regional and national meetings in their discipline. Opportunities to meet and interact with others in their field increases their knowledge, builds professional networks, and adds to their overall educational experience at WSU.

“Third, this gift also allows us to increase the number of scholarships that we can award to deserving STEM students so that they can complete their research.”

Support Student Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research, part of WSU Undergraduate Education, manages the fund into which the $15,000 anonymous gift was placed. Four WSU colleges are home to STEM students: the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; the College of Veterinary Medicine; and, the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture.

“We are thrilled that this donation will support STEM students from several disciplines who are involved in high-impact, hands-on learning.

“There are many additional students at WSU who engage in research, scholarship, and creative activities with faculty who could benefit from scholarship support, as well. Contributions to the Undergraduate Research Development Fund have the ability to make a tremendous impact on the scope and quality of student learning experiences across all of the university.”

To learn more about how you can contribute to the Undergraduate Research Development Fund, visit our Support Us page.