Donor Support Drives the Jackson School Forward
November 11, 2024
The Jackson School of Geosciences is immensely grateful for the generosity of our alumni and friends. Your contributions last year empowered students, strengthened programs, and advanced interdisciplinary research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Innovation and Impact through Annual Giving
Annual gifts from alumni and friends are the lifeblood of the Jackson School, providing critical resources that keep us agile and responsive in a rapidly changing world. These gifts fund scholarships, fuel cutting-edge research, and support the fieldwork and hands-on learning experiences that transform our students into future leaders. They also allow us to invest in faculty and other resources, ensuring the Jackson School continues to lead in geosciences education and research. Every gift—no matter the size—helps us tackle today’s pressing challenges and seize new opportunities. Together, we drive the innovation needed to deepen our understanding of Earth’s processes and respond to emerging global demands.
Last year, your contributions funded student scholarships, professional development, and equipment that advances research and enhances hands-on learning experiences. For example, annual contributions supported New Graduate Student Fellowships. These $1,000 fellowships, paid on Sept. 1, provide much-needed support for new graduate students to bridge the financial gap between the start of school and their first paycheck. The fellowship is awarded to all incoming students in the Geosciences and Energy and Earth Resources programs, regardless of their funding source.
Expanding Endowments and Meeting New Priorities
Endowed funds are the foundation of the Jackson School’s strength, providing lasting support for students, faculty, and research. Recent contributions, such as the Lucas Family Undergraduate Scholarship, the Mary Anne and Bill Dingus Climate and Environmental Science Excellence Fund, and the Scott W. Tinker Chair for the Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, are creating new opportunities for our students while advancing innovative research and teaching. These endowed funds allow us to plan for the future with confidence, knowing that vital resources are secured to meet new and evolving priorities.
Building the Future: The White Family Outdoor Learning Center
Your generosity, along with that of Jerry McQueen (B.S. ’61, M.A. ’63) and his wife, Joy, has brought the White Family Outdoor Learning Center building project to life. Your enthusiasm and support have moved this hands-on educational facility into the design phase, positioning us to create a hub for experiential learning and field-based research. This center will be transformative for students, providing opportunities for immersive learning in an outdoor environment that integrates geosciences, engineering, and environmental science.
Advancing Research That Matters
At the heart of the Jackson School’s mission is interdisciplinary research that addresses 21st-century challenges like water management, climate change and natural hazards. Support from alumni, foundations, and corporate partners fuels collaborations across UT-Austin and beyond, amplifying our global impact. Partnerships with industry, government, and NGOs advance critical areas such as hydrogen storage, geothermal energy, carbon storage, computational seismology, and marine geosciences.
Looking Ahead
Your continued support will enable us to keep exploring, innovating, and tackling the critical challenges facing our world. Together, we can shape the future of geosciences and drive impactful solutions for our planet. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey forward.