Baylor parents expand research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students
Baylor University recently received a gift in excess of $1 million to the Department of Geosciences that will dramatically enhance students’ educational experiences by increasing the department’s capacity to provide undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to conduct research under the mentoring guidance of faculty members.
Made by parents of a current Baylor student who wish to remain anonymous, the gift also will significantly enhance the department’s ability to attract outstanding students and to prepare them for successful careers.
“Baylor University is deeply grateful to these generous and forward-looking philanthropists for making a gift that strengthens our institutional commitment to using research and scholarship as tools for education,” said Interim President David E. Garland. “Baylor parents such as these who demonstrate their belief in our mission are invaluable partners to the University.”
The Department of Geosciences in the School of Arts & Sciences is in a period of strong growth. Housed in the Baylor Sciences Building with research space in the adjacent Carlile Geology Research Building, the department emphasizes interdisciplinary study and develops geoscience graduates who work in industry, academia and government sectors of employment. Geosciences faculty members have developed state-of-the-art courses and pursue research involving one-on-one mentoring of students.
“This remarkably generous gift will create more diverse opportunities for our undergraduates to conduct research of their own, which is a growing trend both within Baylor and throughout higher education, as well as strengthen our graduate students’ research activities,” said Dr. Stacy Atchley, chair and professor of geosciences. “This is a gift that will literally put tools into the hands of our students while also providing a strong base of support for academic advancement through research.”
The gift is composed of three separate elements: an endowment for undergraduate studies in geology; an endowment for graduate research in geology; and the Hammer-Chisel Endowed Fund, whose proceeds will purchase hammers, chisels and other geological equipment.
“As parents of a current Baylor student, the couple who made this gift powerfully embody the spirit that unites all members of the Baylor Family, from our students and alumni to parents and grandparents of students,” said Dave Rosselli, vice president for university development. “These parents also exemplify the heart of our newly formed Parent Leadership Circle — a robust network of Baylor parents who collaborate to provide financial support and guidance to our students and collectively advance Baylor’s continued growth as a Christian research university.”
The anonymous donors said that watching their student thrive at Baylor amid the abundance of meaningful social activities and the dynamic academic opportunities motivated them to express their deep gratitude to the University, and specifically to the department in which their student is studying. The parents said they hope their gift will inspire current and future geoscience students to give back to Baylor after earning their science degrees and succeeding in their professions.