Award Descriptions

This is a complete list of all of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation Scholarships.  Not all scholarships are awarded every year.  Scholarship recipients will receive a more detailed description of the scholarship they receive.  If you are interested in donating to one of our scholarships, or would like to set up one of your own, please contact Director of Development Sam Barkley at sam.barkley@mso.umt.edu.  

Aaron Caplan Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in any program in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation with financial need; preference is given to a student with an interest in music.

American Indian Forestry & Conservation Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to all in-state and out-of-state American Indian students enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana based on merit.

Anthony B. & Edna Helding Evanko Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to sophomore, juniors and seniors in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  Preference will be given to students who are studying the following disciplines, in the order listed:  1) Forestry majors with an emphasis in Range Resource Management; 2) Forestry majors with an emphasis in Forest Resource Management; 3) majors in Ecological Restoration.  Additionally, preference will be given to students with financial need.  This scholarship is renewable provided the recipients reapply each year and continue to meet the above criteria.

Arne J. Jacobsen Forestry Travel Endowment
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana graduate or undergraduate students enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation (not including Wildlife Biology, Range Management, or Environmental Studies programs).  Awards are to cover all expenses incurred by students who are involved in forestry field study programs.  These expenses include, but are not limited to, tuition, travel, room, board and instruction.  Awards are to be based on the financial need of the student.

Barb & Ernie Corrick Forestry Scholarship
 This fund will provide scholarships to Forestry graduate and undergraduate students working towards his/her degree who needs financial assistance and preferably, whose long-term goal includes working in industrial forestry.  This scholarship is renewable provided that the recipient reapplies each year and continues to meet the above criteria.

Bill Greenwald Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Bill Greenwald Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a Forestry student at the University of Montana who is completing his or her sophomore year.  Selection is based on grade point average, class standing, evaluation of two letters of recommendation from faculty and a statement of career goals.  All other things being equal, students with an interest in forest management, logging engineering or wood utilization shall be given preference.

Blackfoot Forest Protective Association - Joe Sieminski Award
This fund provides scholarship support for a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana with an interest in fire research.

Bob Kennedy Memorial Award
The award is designated for a junior or returning senior majoring in Forestry and is based on financial need, dedication to the profession of forestry, and strength in timber management.

Burchenal Leadership Scholarship
 This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students enrolled in the Wildlife Biology program.  Eligible students will have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and will demonstrate excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, and a strong work ethic.  This scholarship is renewable provided the recipient reapplies and continues to meet the scholarship criteria.

Castles Brothers Scholarship
The purpose of the Castles Brothers Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation students and promote excellence by encouraging scholastic achievement and potential to embark on a career in natural resources.

Charles K. Bolle Memorial Fund
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana graduate or undergraduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Charles L. Tebbe Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Charles L. Tebbe Forestry Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student completing his or her sophomore year in the Forest Resources Management option of the Forestry degree program.  The recipient should be pursuing a career in wise natural resource management and will be selected on grade point average, class standing, letters of reference which address academic and professional potential from two faculty members, and a statement of career goals.  Each recipient is to be known as a Tebbe Scholar.

Chris Greene Memorial Award
The recipient of this award must be active in service to the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and must have financial need and an interest in fire management.

Christian Bowers Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Christian Bowers Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a returning undergraduate student majoring in Wildlife Biology.  The student should exhibit financial need and be in good academic standing.

Clarence & Martha Almen Memorial Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana graduate or undergraduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  The recipient is to be selected based on merit and his/or her passion for the field of forestry.

Dan Pletscher Scholarship for Avian Science
This award was established to provide scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the Wildlife Biology program at the University of Montana.  Recipients must have an interest in behavioral ecology and wish to pursue those interests with experiential learning, internships, or research.  Preference shall be given to students with an interest in avian science and/or bioacoustics and who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  In addition to WBIO majors, Biology students with an option in organismal biology or ecology are also eligible for this scholarship.

Danny On Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Danny On Memorial Fund is to recognize an outstanding senior or graduate student enrolled in the University of Montana's W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  The recipient must be majoring in ecology, silviculture or wildlife management and have maintained a 3.0 grade point average after 90 semester credits.  He or she must have demonstrated ability and willingness to extend scientific knowledge to the public and to allied professionals.  He or she must have demonstrated skill and involvement in wildlife, technical forestry, and scenic photography on a skilled amateur level and an interest in using that skill to further the enjoyment and education of others through photography.  In addition, the recipient should display many of the characteristics that earned Danny deep respect among his colleagues and friends.  These are as follows:  objective, pragmatic, utilitarian, with commitment to biologically sound forest land management practices; enjoyment of the land in all its forms and uses, and dedication to the Society of American Foresters and its beneficial uses.

David Bayer Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the David Bayer Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana who has the ability to dedicate him or herself to the profession of forestry and shows financial need.  The fund will provide one student with one scholarship annually.

Doris & Kelsey C. Milner Memorial Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana students according to the following guidelines:  a junior, senior or graduate student in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who is dedicated to preserving wilderness and producing healthy national forests, rivers and wildlife.

Drew van Teylingen Award
The purpose of the Drew van Teylingen Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

Earl F. Clark Scholarship
This award is based solely on scholastic ability and accomplishment and is intended for any returning undergraduate or graduate student in any discipline within the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

Edward F. Barry Scholarship
The purpose of the Edward F. Barry Memorial Scholarship is to recognize an outstanding senior or graduate student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana who has demonstrated exceptional skills in the field as well as the classroom.  The scholarship recipient will be selected for specific contributions in forestry which exemplify Mr. Barry's concern for a prudent, balanced use of natural resources.

Elenore H. Schofield & Donald J. Schofield Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation students at the University of Montana.  Graduate and undergraduate students are eligible.

Fay G. Clark Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Fay G. Clark Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  Further qualifications may be set by the appropriate officers of UM and the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

Flora Maye Hawkins Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students entering the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation with awards based on merit.  These scholarships are part of the Forestry Scholars Program designed to attract the very best freshman students.

Forestry Alumni Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the School of Forestry Alumni Memorial Fund is to provide scholarships to outstanding juniors in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation based on scholastic achievement and service to the school.

Frank (Shorty) Nelson Memorial Forestry Scholarship
This fund is used to provide one scholarship annually for a student with financial need who is majoring in Forestry with either the Forest Resources Management option or the Forest Operations option.  The recipient should be a Montana high school graduate, in good standing with the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and the University of Montana and members of the Student Society of American Foresters.  Preference will be given to a student who is a veteran or a wildland firefighter.  This scholarship may be renewed provided the recipient continues to meet the above criteria.

Fred H. Mass Scholarship
The purpose of the Fred H. Mass Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

Garrett Grothen Memorial Scholarship
 Distributions from the Fund shall be used to provide scholarships for deserving students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  The scholarships shall be awarded to a junior entering his or her senior year in Forestry.  Preference is to be given to a student who is interested in pursuing a career in the private forest industry, is active in the Forestry Club and/or the Woodsmen's Team and who exhibits good organizational and leadership skills.  Grades are not to be a deciding factor.  If there are no juniors that fit the above criteria, the award may be given to a sophomore.  The recipients will be informed about Garrett's life and the love he had for Forestry.

George & Mildred Cirica Student Support Fund
The George & Mildred Cirica Student Support Fund supports graduate students studying Wildlife Biology.  Support may include graduate scholarships, summer research awards and graduate stipends, or other student support as determined by the director of the Wildlife Biology Program.

George E. Bright Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the George E. Bright Memorial Fellowship Fund is to provide graduate fellowships for worthy graduate students enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who are pursuing a field of study closely related to forest management.

George R. Myers Scholarship
The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships to Forestry majors at the University of Montana.  It is the donor's wish that the scholarship benefit students in the range management course of study.

GM "Monk" DeJarnette Scholarship
The purpose of the G.M. "Monk" DeJarnette Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation with financial need. The recipient does not need to be an outstanding academic.

Graduate Scholarship in Natural Resource Conservation Policy
Thus fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana graduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  Recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and out-of-state residency status for at least the first year of the scholarship.  This scholarship is renewable provided the recipient reapplies each year and remains eligible based on the selection criteria.

Hawkins Family Scholarship
The purpose of the Hawkins Family Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

Herman William Gabriel Scholarship
This scholarship honors Herman William Gabriel, a wildlife biologist and acclaimed wildlife photographer.  The purpose of the Herman William Gabriel Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student in the Wildlife Biology program who is in good standing.  If the student continues in good standing, he or she should continue to receive the award until graduation.

Howard C. Lee Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Howard C. Lee Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana who is employed during school and maintains good academic standing.

James A. (Smokey) Alexander Memorial Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship will be awarded to students demonstrating financial need and pursuing an undergraduate degree in Resource Conservation or a minor in Fire Sciences & Management, as well as graduate students pursuing a degree in Resource Conservation.

James C. Salinas Scholarship
The purpose of the James C. Salinas Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a senior-level student majoring in Wildlife Biology who has demonstrated superior academic performance and has financial need.

John Fidler Scholarship Endowment
This fund will provide scholarships to students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who will have junior or senior class standing in the year they receive the scholarship.  Preference will be given to students focusing on forest management or fire science.  Recipients must be active in extra-curricular CFC activities which may include, but are not limited to, Forestry Club, the Foresters' Ball or Section 13.  Student GPA should not be considered in awarding the scholarship.  Section 13 participation hours may be substituted for Foresters' Ball participation hours to be considered active.

John R. Milodragovich Scholarship
The purpose of the John R. Milodragovich Scholarship Endowment is to provide an annual award to a returning sophomore, junior, or senior student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  Fields of emphasis may include:  forestry, silviculture, range management or recreation management.  The student should be in good standing with UM and display financial need.  In case of a tie during administration of the scholarship, preference shall be given to a veteran of the U.S. Army and then of any other branch of service.  The selected student shall be dedicated to promoting and maintaining professionalism in forestry and intend to pursue the applied science of forestry upon graduation.

John Richard Seiver Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation with financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office or its equivalent in existence at the time of the award.  Awards will be based on merit.

Kenneth P. Davis Scholarship
The purpose of the Kenneth P. Davis Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  Selection is limited to members of the junior class or graduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and will be based on scholastic achievement and recommendations regarding leadership and professional responsibility.

Lee Clark Memorial Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana graduate or undergraduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  A qualified recipient will be one who studies or works in the field of fire.  The award will be based on need and merit.

Les Pengelly Scholarship
The purpose of the Les Pengelly Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a junior or graduate student in Wildlife Biology who demonstrates outstanding scholastic achievement, a strong land and conservation ethic, and is dedicated to transmitting knowledge concerning wildlife and wild areas to the public.  Financial need may be used as a secondary selection criterion.

Lisa Ann Fisher Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship shall be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation based on merit and/or financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid or its equivalent in existence at the time of the award.  Every effort will be made to ensure that applicants for this scholarship include highly qualified female student athletes.

Mary Cardell Moore Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Mary Cardell Moore and Robert and Florence Cardell Memorial Scholarship is to provide scholarships to merit-based students enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

Mary Jane Landt Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Mary Jane Landt Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

Melvin S. Morris Scholarship
The purpose of the Melvin S. Morris Award is to provide an annual award to a student entering his or her junior or senior year with an emphasis in range management at the University of Montana.  Selection will be based on conscientious effort and interest, service to the school, extra-curricular activities and need.

Mike Barker Scholarship
 This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students in the Wildlife Biology program who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.  Qualified recipients will have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and must have financial need.

Mollie Iler
This scholarship is available to incoming freshmen in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

Moseley Scholarship Fund
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students in the Wildlife Biology Program who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.  Recipients must demonstrate leadership potential and have junior or senior class standing during the scholarship award year.

Mr. & Mrs. A.M. Mikalson Scholarship
The purpose of the Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Mikalson Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  It is also preferable that the student have financial need.  The scholarship is renewable provided the student reapplies.

Myrick-Hansen Scholarship
The purpose of the Myrick-Hansen Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to sophomore-level students enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana with high scholastic standing, whose activities project credit and honor to his or her profession.

National Smokejumpers Association Trail Maintenance Award
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana graduate or undergraduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  Qualified applicants must be pursuing one of the following degrees:  1) Bachelor of Science in Forestry with an emphasis in Forest Resource Management or Range Resource Management; 2) Bachelor of Science in Recreation Resource Management; 3) Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology.  Qualified applicants may also be pursuing graduate degrees in the above areas.  Scholarships shall be awarded to students who are currently employed and/or have been employed for a minimum of one fire season as a smokejumper, or who have worked or volunteered for the National Smokejumper Association.  Additionally, children or grandchildren of smokejumpers who meet the criteria may be selected.  Students shall maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and preference will be given to those students who are military veterans or who have financial need.  Qualified applicants shall show an interest in forestry school organizations.

Peter C. Kotte Memorial Scholarship
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students in the Wildlife Biology program who have an excellent academic standing with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.  Preference is for a non-traditional student who is also a veteran.

Peterson Family Scholarship Endowment
This fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and students in the Health and Human Performance Department in the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences on a rotating year-to-year basis and according to the following guidelines.  The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation will be the recipient in odd-numbered years.  The scholarship is to be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students based either on academic merit or financial need or both.

Phil Janik Graduate Scholarship
This fund shall be used to provide scholarships for graduate students within the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  Recipients must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher and shall have an interest in public land management.

Recreation Management Excellence Scholarship
This fund shall be used to provide scholarships for students who are majoring in Parks, Tourism & Recreation Management in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  Recipients must have junior or senior standing and shall have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Additionally, recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA in recreation management courses.  Preference shall be given to students who have experience working in the recreation management field through community service, in the private sector, or with other government agencies.  This scholarship is renewable provided the student reapplies each year and continues to meet the above criteria.

Richard F. Johnson Legacy Scholarship
This fund shall provide scholarships for juniors, seniors or graduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  Awards shall be made based upon academic achievement, community service and leadership abilities.

Richard J. Hansen Scholarship
The Richard J. Hansen Scholarship fund shall be used to provide scholarships to Forestry majors enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  It is not important that students be at the top of their class, only that they show a strong determination to finish the program and demonstrate financial need.

Robert Frederick Herring Memorial Scholarship
The Robert Frederick Herring Memorial Scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a deserving third year student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

Robert L. Dennee Scholarship
The purpose of the Robert L. Dennee Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a worthy student in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who is enrolled in a program dealing with land conservation and protection.  Both undergraduate and graduate students may be considered.

Robert S. Morgan Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Robert S. Morgan Memorial Forestry Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who demonstrates high academic achievement.  The award may be made based on need alone if good progress is being made toward earning a degree.

Roger Buckhahn Memorial Award
The award is designated for a junior majoring in Forestry with a minimum 2.2 GPA.  The award's criteria are character and service relating to W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation student activities and the profession of forestry.

Ron Barger Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Ron Barger Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a student majoring in Forestry who exemplifies Ron Barger's dedication to the profession of forestry.  The recipient must demonstrate professionalism and leadership in practical forest management and have junior standing.

Russell M. Gates Memorial Award
The purpose of the Russell M. Gates Memorial Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a junior or senior student working toward a Bachelor's degree in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  The recipient must show professionalism and service to the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and must exemplify Russell Gates' characteristics.

Russell Nagle Scholarship
The purpose of the Russell Nagle Scholarship is to provide an annual award to a freshman or sophomore within the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.  Selection will be based on the student's chance for success, professional attitude and need.

Samuel Cooper Howell Sylvester Memorial Scholarship
This fund shall be used to provide scholarships for graduate or undergraduate students (must be sophomores or above) at the University of Montana.  Fifty percent (50%) of the annual spending distribution shall be awarded to students who are Forestry majors within the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.  Recipients, first and foremost, must be kind and caring individuals.  Preference shall then be given to nominees who are active in one or more of the following:  the Forestry Club, the Woodsman Team and the Forester's Ball.  The remaining fifty percent (50%) of the annual spending distribution will be awarded to students enrolled in the Wilderness and Civilization Program.  Again, recipients, first and foremost, must be kind and caring individuals.  Preference shall then be given to nominees who are passionate about our environment and our wilderness, and have an interest in one or more of the following:  primitive skills, back country exploration, and wilderness studies.

SCIF Sables Susan & John Monson Hunting Heritage
SCIF Sables Susan and John Monson Hunting Heritage Scholarship shall be used to provide at least one undergraduate scholarship per academic year to a Wildlife Biology student in their junior or senior year.  A student awarded this Scholarship in their junior year will be awarded the scholarship in their senior year provided all these selection criteria continue to be met.  Recipients must have a 3.0 GPA or better, demonstrate financial need, and must take at least one class that incorporates a positive hunting message.  Scholarship recipients may be invited to attend one SCI First for Hunters Convention (preferably in their junior year).  Each recipient will need to provide a written agreement granting permission for the Sables and SCI Foundation to use the information about them in articles for SCI publications and local papers in the area(s) in which each recipient resides.

Silas R. Thompson Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded to a sophomore Forestry major in the Forest Resources Management option (to be received as a junior) and is based on scholastic achievement, leadership, and service to the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

Soka'piiwa Scholarship
The Fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students in the Wildlife Biology program.  The recipient may be renewed provided he or she reapplies and continues to meet the scholarship criteria.

Stacie Ann DeWolf Memorial Scholarship
 The Fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana juniors, seniors or graduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who exemplify the traits and ideals of Stacie Ann DeWolf and reflect her interest in proper management and conservation of forest land.  The recipient(s) should demonstrate a strong desire to work with and give back to the community.  Recipients will be provided with a detailed description of the scholarship's namesake and the ideals that she exemplified.

Susan Churchill Scholarship
The Fund will provide an annual scholarship to be used for tuition at the Flathead Lake Biological Station or for other experiential learning opportunities for University of Montana undergraduate students majoring in the Aquatic Option of the Wildlife Biology program.  Recipients should demonstrate strong academic achievement.  Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that applicants for this scholarship include highly qualified female students.

System for Environmental Management Scholarship
System for Environmental Management is a Montana nonprofit research and educational corporation.  Their scholarship supports W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation graduate students who conduct research and are involved in wildland fire.

Thomas H. Leik, Sr. Wildlife Biology Scholarship
The Fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana graduate or undergraduate students in the Wildlife Biology program who are in good academic standing.

Tom Spaulding Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Tom Spaulding Memorial Fund is to recognize an outstanding junior or senior enrolled in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana who has demonstrated scholastic achievement and service to the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

W.A Franke Scholarship
The W.A. Franke Scholarship Fund will provide general scholarship support for students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation based on academic merit and financial need, with additional scholarship criteria determined by the CFC scholarship committee.  Scholarships may be renewable at the discretion of the Dean provided recipients re-apply each year and continue to meet the selection criteria.

Wesley M. Dixon Graduate Fellowship
 The Fund will provide fellowships to University of Montana graduate students in the Wildlife Biology program.  One $30,000 fellowship shall be awarded each year.  The fellowship is renewable beyond the initial award, providing funding is available and the recipient remains eligible based on the selection criteria noted above.

Wesley M. Dixon Scholarship for Montana Students
The Fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students in the Wildlife Biology program.  Preference shall be given to Montana residents.

Wesley M. Dixon Scholarship for Out-of-State Students
 The Fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students in the Wildlife Biology program.  Preference shall be given to out-of-state students.

Westslope Chapter of Trout Unlimited
 The Fund will provide two annual scholarships to University of Montana juniors and returning graduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation whose studies and/or anticipated career most closely fit the mission of Trout Unlimited to conserve, protect, and restore North America's cold water fisheries and their watersheds.  One scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate and one scholarship will be awarded to a graduate student in equal amounts.  Consideration can also be made to Environmental Studies students that qualify.  Each scholarship recipient will be required to submit an essay of approximately 500 words by the conclusion of the fall semester which will be considered for possible inclusion in the newsletter of the Westslope Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

William G. Kohner Memorial Scholarship
This award is designated for a sophomore, junior, or returning senior and is based on scholarship and service to the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.

William R. (Bud) and Jane Buckhouse Moore Graduate Research Endowment
The Fund will support research projects by graduate or post-graduate level students who are focusing their studies on the Northern Rocky Mountain - Crown of the Continent bioregion.  Areas of study include programs focused on Resource Conservation, Systems Ecology and Society and Conservation.  Although the funds will be administered through the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, research support for selected student projects is open to application not only by students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, but also to students in the Division of Biological Sciences (excluding study of human biology and medical technology).  Awards will be based on a merit research award application process.  However, if two or more research projects have equal merit, then the award should be made to the student applicant who has the most financial need based on the Financial Aid need analysis.  Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B" average) with a good academic record but, above all, should have a clear view of how their project connects to one or more of the fields listed below.  Applicants should be motivated by a deep respect for the land that sustains us.  Studies should include: 

  • Enhancing our knowledge of native species and their connections and dependencies
  • Understanding, protecting, restoring and/or expanding wilderness
  • Forest ecology, soils and watershed
  • Connectivity and scale (from landscapes to micro-habitats)
  • Wildness and spirituality - protect and sustain the spirit of place
  • Place-based preservation - working toward concrete results with the local community
  • Holistic sustainability of our natural lands (not just individual resources but the place as a whole)
  • Systems Ecology - maintaining ecological integrity (sustaining and protecting natural processes)
  • "Eco-cruising" and Eco-system Management (in particular with a focus on small private forest owners)
  • Environmental ethics
  • Carbon storage and climate change
  • Interdisciplinary studies for a sustainable future
  • History of forestry and natural resources policies

Wyman & Patricia Schmidt Family Endowed Scholarship in Forest Ecology and Silviculture
The Fund will provide scholarships to full-time University of Montana graduate or undergraduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation who are focusing their studies in forest ecology.  The preference is that this scholarship be awarded to a student who is studying forest ecology and silviculture in larch ecosystems.  This is a merit-based award.

Zane and Betty Smith Scholarship
The Fund will provide scholarships to University of Montana undergraduate students in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation majoring in Forestry.  If there are no eligible students majoring in Forestry then the award may go to a student majoring in Wildlife Biology.

Zuuring-MAGIP Graduate GIS Scholarship
The Fund will provide scholarships for first-year graduate students who are in good standing at the University of Montana.  Recipients may study any discipline, but must be working on a project that incorporates Geographic Information System sciences and technologies as a significant part of their thesis research.  Projects must have a reasonable chance of completion within 1.5 years or less.  Strength of GIS sciences and technologies is more important than financial need; however, financial need may be used as a secondary criterion.  Graduate program deficiencies are acceptable if progress toward program completion is being made.