Scholarships

To be eligible for as many scholarships as possible, students are encouraged to complete the UNI Scholarship Application each year by January 15. Some university and college scholarships also require evidence of financial need, which requires completion of the FAFSA application.

Science, Technology, and Mathematics Scholarship: Earth and Environmental Sciences

Purpose: Awarded to an incoming freshman intending to major in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department. Selection based on academic ability and interest in the Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Guidelines: Student must complete an UNI Scholarship Application for Undergraduates during the fall of their senior year of high school. These are four-year renewable scholarships. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and demonstrate satisfactory progress toward a degree in the Earth Science Department to retain the scholarship. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year and are determined by the number of scholarships given each year.

Bill and Teri Brecht Scholarship - Earth Science Teaching Emphasis

Purpose: This fund was established by Earth Science Alumni, Bill and Teri Brecht to provide financial assistance to students pursuing an Earth Science Teaching degree. Students must be juniors or seniors and have a minimum GPA of 2.8.

Guidelines: Students must be juniors or seniors Earth Science Teaching majors and have a minimum GPA of 2.8. Student must complete an UNI Scholarship Application for Undergraduates during the spring semester.

Charles J. Hearst Scholarship

Purpose: Assist a capable undergraduate student majoring in the Department of Earth Science at the University of Northern Iowa; open to students who have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours at UNI; selection based on consideration of academic ability and financial need, with academic ability being the major consideration. Award amount varies.

Guidelines: Student must complete an UNI Scholarship Application for Undergraduates during the spring semester. Awarded annually upon the recommendation of the faculty of the Department of Earth Science. Selection will be made by a faculty committee of the Department of Earth Science, appointed by the department head. Announcement of the recipient of the Charles J. Hearst Scholarship will be made at the annual Earth Science Recognition Dinner in the spring, with scholarship funds awarded during the following academic year.

Louise Hearst Speer Memorial Scholarship

Purpose: To assist a capable undergraduate majoring in the Department of Earth Science at the University of Northern Iowa; open to students who have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours at UNI; selection based on consideration of academic ability and financial need, with academic ability being the major consideration. Award amount varies.

Guidelines: Student must complete an UNI Scholarship Application for Undergraduates during the spring semester. Awarded annually upon the recommendation of the faculty of the Department of Earth Science. Selection will be made by a faculty committee of the Department of Earth Science, appointed by the department head. Announcement of the recipient of the Louise Hearst Speer Memorial Scholarship will be made at the annual Earth Science Recognition Dinner in the spring, with scholarship funds awarded during the following academic year.

Larry Kelsey Memorial Scholarship - Astronomy Emphasis

Purpose: Established by contributions from Anne Kelsey, family members, friends, and colleagues, this scholarship is awarded to a student in the Department of Earth Science who shows promise in the field of astronomy. Selection will be made by a committee appointed by the Head of the Department of Earth Science. Announcement of the recipient of the Kelsey Scholarship will be made at the annual Earth Science Recognition Dinner in the spring, with scholarship funds awarded during the following academic year. Award amount varies.

Dr. Larry A. Kelsey served the University of Northern Iowa with distinction from 1979-1987. He was killed in a motor-vehicle accident on 4 December 1987 while teaching in UNI's international studies program in England. Dr. Kelsey is remembered by his colleagues as a superb teacher, a promising researcher, and a dedicated staff member.

Guidelines: Student must complete an UNI Scholarship Application for Undergraduates during the spring semester.

Jan Harken Scholarship - Geology Emphasis

Purpose: Established in memory of Jan Harken, who after retiring as Secretary in the Department of Modern Languages at UNI for 24 years, was working on a geology degree as a start to a second career. Her dreams to travel and study fossils never came true; however, this scholarship will help others fulfill their dreams and preserve her memory in the Department. This scholarship is given annually to one or more deserving geology majors.

Guidelines: Student must complete an UNI Scholarship Application for Undergraduates during the spring semester.

W. A. Tarr Award

Awarded to a member of the local chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the Earth Science Honor Society. The member should have shown evidence of meritorious service over the past year and be in good standing. Selection is made by the faculty advisors of Sigma Gamma Epsilon. Announcement of the recipient of the W. A. Tarr Award will be made at the annual Earth Science Recognition Dinner in the spring.

Sass Earth Science Fund for Excellence

Purpose: Established by Jim (Earth Science BA, ‘72) and Diane Sass to support student research awards, student travel to present or perform research, and other experiential learning opportunities, and modest department supplies and equipment. Student Research Awards support summer research projects, which extend into the fall semester.

Brecht Earth Science Fund for Excellence

Purpose: Established by Bill (Earth Science Teaching BA, ‘72) and Teri (College of Education BA, ‘73) Brecht to provide support for the department for teaching and research of faculty and students.