Purpose: The Earth’s Environment Fund supports graduate and undergraduate students in the Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) Department at UCSC as they conduct thesis-related research involving topics such as water resources, climate change, and the evolution of landscapes and aquatic systems. Awards from the fund will improve EPS student projects, increase the department’s research impact, and provide valuable professional development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student reseachers.

History: The Earth’s Environment Fund was established to enhance the quality of EPS student research projects that focus on Earth’s environment (past, current, and future). The fund was established with a gift from an EPS alumni family who have demonstrated a commitment to better understanding and management of Earth’s natural systems, so as to improve prospects for effective stewardship of these resources.

Status and Goals: The Earth’s Environment Fund is currently endowed with ~$175k. Our long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $500,000,to generate the equivalent to a full quarter of student support, could be used for fellowship or research grants. Awards will be made on a competitive basis each year.

Our Request: Please contribute to the Earth’s Environment Fund and help to support EPS undergraduate and graduate student researchers. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

Purpose: The Eli Silver Earth and Planetary Science Opportunities Fund supports undergraduate majors and graduate students in the UCSC Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, contributing to costs for professional development, education, and living expenses.

History: The Eli Silver Earth and Planetary Science Opportunities Fund was established by a group of Eli’s former students in honor of Eli’s numerous scientific achievements, outstanding teaching and mentoring contributions, and distinguished service. The fund is intended to accelerate the pace of professional and educational development for EPS students, and to offset increasing costs for educational and living expenses, helping to launch these students’ careers. Eli remains an active and influential member of the EPS community, as he enjoys Emeritus status, and we are pleased to recognize his legacy and support current and future EPS students.

Status: The Eli Silver Fund was launched in December 2016, and the endowment recently surpassed $100k.

Endowment Goals: The Eli Silver Fund has started to support small grants to students. Our longer-term goal is to fund bigger projects and provide more generous student support, especially for students who have financial need. We currently seek to raise the endowment to $350k, enough to award a full one-quarter fellowship each year.

Purpose: The Gary Griggs Endowment for Student Research Support in Earth Sciences (“Gary Griggs Fund”) supports research and professional development for students completing degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Science.

History: This fund was established to honor and extend the impact of Gary Griggs, Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, who has been a valued member of the University of California, Santa Cruz community for more than 50 years. Gary’s skills in the classroom are legendary, having inspired more than 15,000 students in Oceanography, Hydrology, Coastal Geology, and other topics. Gary supervised 78 graduate students, helping to launch numerous successful careers in research, public service, resource management, teaching, business, and the law. Gary led the Institute of Marine Sciences for 26 years, greatly expanding its scope and impact, and developed UCSC’s Coastal Sciences Campus into a regional and national center of research excellence and community engagement.

Status: The Gary Griggs Fund endowment is approaching $170k. 

Endowment Goal: Our long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $1,000,000, at which point it would support (for example): multiple academic quarters/year of graduate student fellowship, 8-10 undergraduate summer projects, and/or travel to attend professional meetings.

Our Request: Please donate to the Griggs Fund in support of EPS and ESCI students. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

Purpose: The Gerald Weber and Suzanne Holt Fund (“Weber-Holt Fund”) supports meritorious undergraduate students in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at UCSC with scholarships for summer field camp.

History: The Weber-Holt Fund was established by Gerry Weber and Sue Holt in support of one of the most important parts of the EPS undergraduate curriculum: summer field camp. Participation in a summer field camp is an iconic experience that satisfies the “capstone course” requirement applied to all undergraduates at the University of California. UCSC runs one of the best summer field camps in the U.S., and we are delighted that the Weber-Holt fund supports so many of outstanding EPS majors who participate in this valuable professional experience.

Status: The Weber-Holt Fund is currently endowed with $525k.

Development Goal: Our long-term goal for the Weber-Holt fund is to grow the endowment to $1.2M. At this level, return on investment could support annual scholarships for all UCSC field camp participants. 

Our Request: Please donate to the Weber-Holt Fund in support of EPS undergraduate students at field camp. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

Purpose: This fund is a tribute to Holly Day Barnett. Awardees (advanced undergraduates) have traits common with Holly’s: outdoor hobbies, leadership skills, and interests in the application of environmental Earth sciences. Awarded to one full-time undergraduate major in Earth Sciences each year. Awardees must have interest, ability, enthusiasm in: 1) applying the Earth sciences to address important environmental issues, 2) non-academic activities demonstrating maturity, leadership and breadth of character, and 3) enjoyment of the outdoors/nature.

History: Holly Day Barnett grew up in Chico, where she spent much time hiking in Bidwell Park and swimming in Chico Creek. She was captain of the Chico High School volleyball team, and traveled to Belize with her sister Heather and to Hawaii many times with her family, where she enjoyed scuba diving.

At U.C. Santa Cruz, Holly majored in Geology and Earth Sciences, waitressing all four years to help put herself through college. She enjoyed fieldwork, especially the 1996 Summer Field. Senior year, her coursework in water quality topics brought her to the attention of U.S. Geological Survey personnel teaching the course, and upon graduation in the summer of 1997 she secured employment in the U.S.G.S. Sacramento office, where she joined a team studying the movements and effects of pesticides in the North Delta of San Francisco Bay.

While at Santa Cruz, Holly developed a passion for mountain biking, and in 1998 she added Adventure Races to her busy life. In the High-Tech Adventure Race at Folsom in July, her team placed twelfth out of 165 teams, being the highest-placing nonprofessional team. Holly’s love for the natural world earned her the nickname of “Hiking Holly” in her family. She especially loved Lassen Park and the Trinity Alps, as well as the coastal areas of Santa Cruz and the Lost Coast.

Holly was diagnosed with a lymphoma tumor in September of 1998, and died of the cancer in January of 1999, surrounded by her family. Her life, though short, was rich and full. Her passionate engagement in life won her a wide circle of dear friends. Her friends and faculty at U.C. Santa Cruz joined with her family to create the Holly Barnett Memorial Grant, awarded annually to an Earth and Planetary Sciences major who shares Holly’s dedication to the application of science to bettering the earth’s environment, as well as her enjoyment of the natural world.

The Support for Undergraduate Research in Geology and Environmental Science (SURGES) Fund

Purpose: The Support for Undergraduate Research in Geology and Environmental Science (SURGES) Fund helps EPS majors as they conduct thesis-related research.

History: The SURGES Fund was created in 2018 by UCSC alumni, Roger Koopmann and Thomas Bullen (together below, Tom to left). Roger earned his B.A. in Economics at UCSC (1980) and Tom completed his Ph.D. in Earth Sciences at UCSC (1986). Dr. Bullen had distinguished career with the U.S. Geological Survey, in Menlo Park, CA, traveling frequently to conduct research and present results. He was an expert in metals geochemistry and isotopics of rocks and waters, with application to hydrology, geology, and paleoclimate. Tom and Roger created the SURGES fund in recognition of how student research can have a profound impact on young scientists, the environment, and society, and as a way to stay engaged and give back to the UCSC community.

Status: The SURGES Fund was created and endowed in 2018, so that it can be used in perpetuity to support EPS undergraduate researchers. Returns from the fund began supporting research grants in the 2019-20 academic year, helping EPS majors to complete senior thesis projects. New contributions to the SURGES Fund will grow the endowment, allowing more awards to be given each year.  

Endowment Status and Goal: Our long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $350,000, allowing the fund to support 6-7 research awards per year without drawing down the capital. The fund is currently approaching $70k. As the fund continues to grow, EPS can make additional awards, larger awards, and eventually provide scholarships for undergraduate students who wish to pursue a research career.

Our Request: Please donate to the SURGES Fund in support of EPS undergraduate research, and in honor of our distinguished alumnus, Tom Bullen. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

Purpose: The Marc and Rita Bond Scholarship Fund provides need-based support to undergraduate students in the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences to assist with the cost of attendance at UC Santa Cruz.

History: The Marc and Rita Bond Scholarship Fund was created in 2023 by UCSC alum, Marc Bond, and his wife, Rita. Marc earned his Bachelor’s degrees in both Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies in 1977. Marc asserts that these degrees, combined with the enriched life experiences gained while attending UCSC, put him on a path for a fulfilling and successful career and life. He established this fund in order to “pay it forward” to other students who would like to pursue similar goals.  Students who receive the Marc and Rita Bond Scholarship may use the funds towards the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, campus health insurance, and emergency assistance.

Purpose: The Robert H. Wright Fund for Earth & Planetary Sciences (EPS) was established in 2025 with a gift of $15,000 and pledges of a similar amount annually while he is living.  Initially the fund will support summer field camp for undergraduate students.  As the fund grows with pledged gifts and donations, the fund will support graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) student research awards in the EPS Department, with a preference to support students engaging in field-based research. On his death, his Estate will establish the Robert H. Wright Endowment Fund with pledged gifts totaling approximately $550,000. The purpose of this fund will be to support graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) student research awards in the EPS Department, with preference to support students engaged in field-based research.  At some time, the Robert H. Wright Fund may be incorporated into the Robert H. Wright Endowment Fund.

History: The Robert H. Wright Fund for Earth & Planetary Sciences has been established by alum Robert Harvey Wright, who earned his Ph.D. at UC Santa Cruz in 1982.  Field courses and fieldwork experiences he participated in as an undergraduate student at UC Santa Barbara and a graduate student at San Jose State University were iconic experiences, and he wants to ensure that similar experiences and opportunities are available to future generations of geoscientists.  In his over 56-year career, he was a practicing engineering geologist who also benefited greatly from working with geotechnical engineers.  His experience suggests that a M.S. degree is the “sweet spot” for a wide variety of careers as a geologist, although some careers require a Ph.D.

One graduate (probably Ph.D.) research topic of interest to him is the distribution, origin, and age of “mima mounds” and other natural “patterned ground” features. During his career, he studied “mima mounds” along the west side of the Sacramento delta, in the Northern Sacramento Valley around Cottonwood Creek, and on the west flank of the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains.  “Mima mounds” have also been identified in Oregon, and occur in the vicinity of UCSC. The origin of mima mounds is uncertain and one of the mysteries of geomorphology.

Photo of mima mounds near the West Entrance to the UCSC campus.

Purpose: The Aaron and Elizabeth Waters Student Research Fund is named in honor of the founding Chair of Earth Sciences at UCSC and his wife. This fund supports graduate students in the Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) Department at UCSC as they conduct thesis-related research. The department makes annual awards from the Waters Fund to the most meritorious research proposals submitted each year as part of PhD students qualifying for candidacy. The Waters Fund endowment can now provide graduate fellowship support as well.

History: Aaron Waters had a distinguished career in Earth Sciences spanning >60 years, publishing his first paper in 1927, and founding the Earth Sciences program at UCSC in 1967. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1964, and received the Penrose Medal from the Geological Society of America in 1982. Dr. Waters worked on a wide variety of problems in the fields of volcanology, igneous petrology, mineral resources, lunar geology, and the regional geology of the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Waters retired from UCSC in 1972, and donations from his former students, colleagues, and friends led to the establishment of this fund. The Aaron and Elizabeth Waters Student Research Fund recognizes the important roles that Elizabeth played in educating generations of students.

Status: The Waters Fund is currently endowed with ~$350k. Income from the fund supports graduate fellowships and annual awards for outstanding PhD thesis proposals. Awards are made on a competitive basis each year.  

Long-term Goal: Our long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $1M, to generate the equivalent a full academic year of graduate student support. 

Our Request: Please contribute to the Waters Fund and help to support EPS undergraduate and graduate student researchers. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

Donations in honor of Aaron and Elizabeth Waters have made this award possible. Below are previous awardees.

Purpose: The Earth’s Environment Fund supports graduate and undergraduate students in the Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) Department at UCSC as they conduct thesis-related research involving topics such as water resources, climate change, and the evolution of landscapes and aquatic systems. Awards from the fund will improve EPS student projects, increase the department’s research impact, and provide valuable professional development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student reseachers.

History: The Earth’s Environment Fund was established to enhance the quality of EPS student research projects that focus on Earth’s environment (past, current, and future). The fund was established with a gift from an EPS alumni family who have demonstrated a commitment to better understanding and management of Earth’s natural systems, so as to improve prospects for effective stewardship of these resources.

Status and Goals: The Earth’s Environment Fund is currently endowed with ~$175k. Our long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $500,000,to generate the equivalent to a full quarter of student support, could be used for fellowship or research grants. Awards will be made on a competitive basis each year.

Our Request: Please contribute to the Earth’s Environment Fund and help to support EPS undergraduate and graduate student researchers. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

Purpose: The Eli Silver Earth and Planetary Science Opportunities Fund supports undergraduate majors and graduate students in the UCSC Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, contributing to costs for professional development, education, and living expenses.

History: The Eli Silver Earth and Planetary Science Opportunities Fund was established by a group of Eli’s former students in honor of Eli’s numerous scientific achievements, outstanding teaching and mentoring contributions, and distinguished service. The fund is intended to accelerate the pace of professional and educational development for EPS students, and to offset increasing costs for educational and living expenses, helping to launch these students’ careers. Eli remains an active and influential member of the EPS community, as he enjoys Emeritus status, and we are pleased to recognize his legacy and support current and future EPS students.

Status: The Eli Silver Fund was launched in December 2016, and the endowment recently surpassed $100k.

Endowment Goals: The Eli Silver Fund has started to support small grants to students. Our longer-term goal is to fund bigger projects and provide more generous student support, especially for students who have financial need. We currently seek to raise the endowment to $350k, enough to award a full one-quarter fellowship each year.

Purpose: To help sustain and grow the Earth & Planetary Sciences program, Robert and Christine Holo have established the Holo Family Fellowship Fund, which provides fellowship support to attract and retain top graduate students in the department.

History: In recognition of the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department’s longstanding excellence in research and undergraduate education, as well as its growing national stature, the Holo Family Fellowship Fund was established to help address a critical challenge: the high cost of living on California’s coast. Although the department continues to attract strong graduate applicants due to its distinguished faculty, research strengths, and desirable location, financial constraints often lead top candidates to choose institutions offering more competitive support. The Holo Family Fellowship Fund was created to directly address this issue, ensuring that UCSC can continue to recruit and support outstanding Earth Sciences graduate students for years to come.

Status: The Holo Family Fellowship Fund is currently endowed with ~$350,000.

Long-term Goal: Our long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $1M, to generate the equivalent a full academic year of graduate student support. 

Purpose: The James R. Hein Blue Water Fund supports Earth and Planetary Sciences students who are focused on blue water (deep ocean) research, inclyding studies of active processes and ancient ocean deposits.

Status and Goals: The James R. Hein Blue Water Fund is currently endowed with ~$50k, and we seek to raise the endowment to $200k.

History: The James R. Hein Blue Water Fund was created in 2023 by UCSC alum, James R. Hein. Jim was one of the first doctoral students in the department, and he earned his Ph.D. in Earth Sciences in 1973. He became internationally renowned for his work in interdisciplinary research in geology, oceanography, geochemistry, and mineral deposits. Now retired, Hein is acutely aware of the need for the next generation of scientists to continue deep-ocean exploration, as current research is influencing green energy, land resilience, and climate change. Jim established this fund to ensure that UC Santa Cruz serves as a pipeline for brilliant researchers to carry on this important work. 

James Hein testifying for the ISA Council of Nations.

James Hein on a boat on Mariana Island.

Purpose: The Zhen and Ren Wu Memorial Award Fund (“Wu Fund”) supports graduate students in geophysics as they conduct thesis-related research, with an emphasis on students seeking careers in exploration industries.

History: The Wu Fund was established by Ru-Shan Wu, Director of the Seismic Modeling and Imaging Laboratory, in memory of his parents. The Wu fund supports an annual award for graduate students pursuing Ph.D. work in geophysics and in support of a variety of geophysical research projects. Ru-Shan and his collaborators and students have had a major impact in theoretical seismology and imaging through their research and application of innovative tools, and the Wu Fund is a valuable legacy for future generations of exploration-minded young scientists.

Status: The Wu Fund is currently endowed with ~$115k.

Endowment Goals: We seek to grow the endowment to $350,000, permitting proceeds to support one quarter of graduate student fellowship (or equivalent research costs) in each academic year. Funds could be used to assist with recruiting and supporting outstanding new students, and/or to support existing students who demonstrate potential for excellence in research.

Our Request: Please make a donation to the Wu Fund in support of EPS graduate students in geophysics. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department Achievement Fund is used for many special projects and initiatives within our department, and also for issues that require urgent one-time support. We have endowed a portion of our various donor gifts for this fund. As of Spring 2024, this fund is valued at $170k. Our near-term goal is to grow the EPS Achievement Fund to $500k.

Purpose: The Casey Moore Fund supports faculty and student research and instruction.

History: The Casey Moore Fund was established to honor one of the Earth and Planetary Science Department’s most influential and inspirational faculty members, J. Casey Moore. The fund was organized initially by a small group of Casey’s former graduate and undergraduate students, in honor of his retirement, and has generated considerable support from current and former students and colleagues. Casey was enthusiastic about growing the fund to have a positive impact on future generations of EPS students.

Status: The Casey Moore Fund is currently endowed with ~$350,000.
Endowment Goal: Our long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $1,200,000, allowing the fund to support three academic quarters/year of graduate student fellowship or a large number of smaller research grants. 

Our Request: Please donate to the Casey Moore Fund in support of EPS graduate students. You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.

Purpose: The Seismo Visitors Fund supports expenses associated with bringing scientific visitors to UC Santa Cruz to discuss or collaborate on geophysics, with a preference for visitors related to seismology or earthquake physics.

History:

The seismology and earthquake physics group at UC Santa Cruz has become an intellectually vibrant and world class institution during the tenures of seismologists Thorne Lay and Susan Schwartz. Upon both of their retirements in 2023, their colleagues recognized that the research and educational enterprises are fueled by a steady flow of scientific visitors to give talks, and to collaborate and interact with students and researchers. They established this fund to promote these fruitful interactions, and funds may be used to cover travel costs, local accommodation and food, logistical support, and  events designed to foster interaction between the visitors and local students and colleagues.

Status and Goals: The Seismo Visitors Fund is currently endowed with ~$65k, and we seek to raise the endowment to $500k.

Two of our alumni, Dan Orange and Jeff Marshall, sold their Loma Prieta Earthquake slide sets and donated the proceeds to create an opportunity for socialization and interdisciplinary conversation. Faculty and staff rounded out the amount to reach the investment minimum. We provide a tea time weekly throughout the academic year for these gatherings. You are welcome to visit at any time!

Tim and Diana Lawton Endowed Fund for Earth and Planetary Sciences

Purpose: These unrestricted funds shall be used to support initiatives, special projects, or areas that require urgent support. This may include a variety of research, educational, or alumni development needs.

History: Tim and Diana Lawton both strongly believe in the importance of higher education to a successful career and fulfilling life. They met at New Mexico State University, where Tim was working as a professor of geology and Diana was completing her Bachelor of Science degree in education. Diana spent most of her career as a math and science teacher. As educators, their lives were greatly impacted by their access to higher education.

While at UC Santa Cruz, Tim double-majored in Earth Sciences (now known as Earth and Planetary Sciences) and Environmental Studies and received his BA in 1973. In particular, he acknowledges and appreciates faculty members who served as mentors and role models. This award is a fitting tribute to honor the valuable education and ongoing mentorship he received during his time here. With this fund, Tim and Diana aim to support the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department with any needs it has.

Status: The Tim and Diana Lawton Fund was created and endowed in 2022, so that it can be used in perpetuity to support the department. 

Our Request: Please donate to the Tim and Diana Lawton Fund in support of the EPS department You could make a one-time donation or pledge to give annually.