Support Geology at Central Washington University

You can make a difference for Geology Students at Central Washington University today! Check out the options below to support geology at CWU in the classroom and in the field. 

1) Donate to the James and Jean Hinthorne fund to support our students in the field, the lab, or both! Our fundraising goal: $10,000 by February 15th.

            Support students in the field:  Our geology program is designed so that our majors gain ample 
            field experience: from making field observations, collecting data, using analytical tools, and 
            making interpretations that can be applied to real-world problems. Our major includes two field 
            courses, GEOL 210: Introduction to Geologic Field Methods and GEOL 489: Geologic Field Methods. 

            GEOL 210: CWU is one of the few geology programs in the world that include an introductory 
            field methods course early in the major. This course harbors community and provides a launching 
            pad into the degree which has proven to be incredibly beneficial in recruiting and retaining geology 
            majors at Central. 

            GEOL 489: As our students prepare for graduation, they participate in our summer field course 
            (GEOL 489), where they have a culminating experience applying their collective skills in an immersive
            3-week course gaining experience through group and individual field work, mapping, and making 
            useful interpretations. 

      These courses are vital not only to equipping our majors with the appropriate skills necessary to 
      solve real-world problems, but also to build community.

            These are required classes and incur significant course fees, which can be a barrier 
             for students. Your gift to the James and Jean Hinthorne Fund helps to alleviate these costs 
             and ensure students have everything they need to be successful. 

             Support students in the lab: The James and Jean Hinthorne Fund provides scholarships 
             to support undergraduate student research where geology students gain hands-on 
             experience working with expert faculty in our department who provide instruction in a wide 
             range of subjects, spanning from environmental science to natural hazards. 

             These scholarships create opportunities for students to collect data, use in-house analytical 
             tools and even allow them to present their findings at professional scientific conferences 
             hosted throughout the country. Data shows that students who engage in scientific research 
             as undergraduates have a higher success rate of job placement after obtaining their degree.

             By giving to the James and Jean Hinthorne fund, you help students gain hands-on experience.
             and increase their chances of succeeding as geology professionals long after they graduate. 

2.) Donate to our Seminar Speaker Series fund to support research experts sharing their latest findings with our community. Our fundraising goal: $5,000 by February 15th.

             Your support of this fund will cover travel expenses to bring research experts from across 
             North America to speak in our department at CWU. This is a window into cutting edge 
             geology research in which these experts share their knowledge with CWU students and with 
             you from the comfort of your home! 

             This fund also supports building departmental culture, to encourage student attendance at 
             these talks and provide them the opportunity to engage with experts. Attached to this 
             regular Friday Seminar is a social hour which is vital in promoting positive interactions 
             between CWU students and geology professionals.