Scholarship Information

The following scholarship opportunities are available with most targeted specifically toward Geography/Earth Science students.

Name Description Amount Criteria Deadline Apply
Ryan Michael Poehling Memorial Scholarship Fund Established by the Hank and Sandra Poehling family of La Crosse in honor or Ryan M. Poehling, a 1995 graduate of UW-L who majored in geography. Ryan died of cancer in Gainesville, Florida on December 17, 2000. $1500
  • at least junior standing
  • Geography major
  • 3.0+ GPA
  • the following will be weighed in evaluating student applications: overall GPA as well as geography/earth science GPA; record of involvement in extracurricular affairs, either in geography or otherwise; record of responsibility, including the satisfactory completion of all course and research-related work; potential as a future geography scholar; student essays-which will be required as part of the application process-describing the student's future plans, including plans for graduate study in geography. Students selected must, to the extent possible, personify the virtues of optimism and appreciation of life which characterized Ryan Poehling. Students must have a demonstrated interest in attending graduate school in geography. The evaluation of the student to determine if they fulfill the special requirements of the Ryan Poehling Scholarship will be facilitated by the following: faculty discussion at the time of the award of the extent to which student applicants embody the spirit of Ryan and the evaluation of student essays submitted as part of the application process.
  • UW-L Scholarship Application required along with essay describing student's future professional plans including plans for graduate study in geography.
 early to mid Nov. see Geo Dept.
Margaret Chew Freshman Scholarships for Geography Majors Established to honor late Professor Margaret Chew who served the UW-L Geography Dept. for many years $500
(up to two awards per academic year)
  • Freshman
  • must declare geography major at the time of admission
  • ACT of 25+ or its SAT equivalent
  • a 200 - 250 word typed statement explaining why the applicant has chosen Geography as a major
 Feb. 15 PDF Form

or

HTML Form
Margaret Chew Sophomore Scholarships for Geography Majors Established to honor late Professor Margaret Chew who served the UW-L Geography Dept. for many years $500
 (up to two awards per academic year)
  • Sophomore standing
  • Geography major
  • enrolled full time
  • 3.0+ cumulative GPA
  • 3.5+ GPA in Geography / Earth Science
  • a 200 - 250 word typed statement explaining why the applicant has chosen Geography as a major
 Mar. 1 PDF Form

or

HTML Form
Jerry Culver Scholarship Endowment Fund in Geography Fund established by family and friends in memory of Jerry culver who was on the Geography faculty 27 years varies
  • Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing
  • Geography major
  • enrolled full time
  • 3.0+ cumulative GPA
  • 3.25+ GPA in Geography / Earth Science
 Mar. 1 PDF Form

or

HTML Form
Coulee Rock Club Scholarship Fund The Coulee Rock Club was established over 20 years ago to study earth science such as geology and to spread this knowledge $200
  • Junior or Senior standing
  • Major in Geography
  • Minor in Earth Science
  • enrolled either part time or full time
  • 2.5+ cumulative GPA
 Mar. 1 PDF Form

or

HTML Form
Harold A. Classen Scholarship in the Department of Geography Established to honor Harold Classen who served the Geography department at UW-L for many years varies
  • Junior or Senior standing
  • Major in Geography
  • enrolled full time
  • 3.0+ cumulative GPA
  • 3.35 GPA in Geography
 Mar. 1 PDF Form

or

HTML Form
Kirk Louis McIlraith Scholarship in Geography Established by Stuart and Lorraine McIlraith to support student scholarships in geography at  UW-L varies
  • Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing
  • Geography major
  • enrolled full time
  • 3.0+ cumulative GPA
 Mar. 1 PDF Form

or

HTML Form
Oliver A. Stoffer Scholarship Established in accordance with the terms of the will of Mr. Stoffer, a former university employee varies
  • Junior or Senior
  • Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics major
  • enrolled full time
  • 3.5+ GPA
 Mar. 1 PDF Form

or

HTML Form
Dr. Merton V. Campbell Endowment Fund Dr. Campbell, a '39 graduate and generous supporter of UW-L, has been involved in education for 40 years as superintendent of schools. He established this fund in 1995 for students involved in the campus and/or community activities and services varies
  • Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing
  • Geography. History, Economics, Political Science, secondary broadfield Social Studies, or Sociology, Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry major or minor
  • enrolled full time
  • 3.0+ cumulative GPA
  • involvement in campus and/or community activities
 Mar. 1 PDF Form

or

HTML Form

In addition to the above listings, other scholarship opportunities are available to students at the UW-L Foundation web site which can be found using the following links:

Freshman            College of Science & Health            General University            Miscellaneous

For more information on scholarship opportunities or questions, contact Sara Olson in the UW-L Foundation Office.