Chemistry scholarships

There are two categories of Chemistry Scholarships:  (1) Those administered through the Financial Aid Office and (2) those administered through the Department of Chemistry.

List of current departmental scholarships

Chemistry Faculty Scholarship

Established 1986 - Endowed

Professor David Lightner of the Chemistry Department established this scholarship in 1986 to provide financial assistance for undergraduate majors in Chemistry. The scholarship has been continuously funded since then with donations from the Chemistry faculty.

Student criteria:

• Chemistry major
• Undergraduate
• Board of Regents requirements apply

Ben A. Edwards Scholarship in Chemistry

Established 1998 - Endowed

Mr. Ben A. Edwards of Reno established a testamentary trust that provides funding for scholarships in the sciences in his memory. The Department of Chemistry will use the scholarship in Mr. Edward's name to attract and support potential chemistry majors early in their undergraduate programs. Thus, preference will be given to students who are freshmen or sophomores at the time of their applications for the scholarship.

Student criteria:

• Major in chemistry
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative University of Nevada, Reno grade point average
• Preference is given to students with freshman or sophomore standing at the time of application
• Demonstration of potential for success in a career in chemistry or in a related field such as medicine

Kenneth C. Kemp Scholarship

Established 1990 - Endowed

Larry Scott, former professor in the Chemistry Department, and friends and former students of Kenneth C. Kemp contributed toward this scholarship to honor Dr. Kemp who taught in the Department of Chemistry from 1958 to 1990. In making this gift, the donors wish to acknowledge Dr. Kemp's role as a professor and friend of the University in "such a manner as to illustrate the importance that he places on education by providing financial aid to those worthy of assistance in the pursuit of studies in Chemistry."

Student criteria:

• Chemistry major
• Demonstrate financial need
• Demonstrate potential for success in a chemistry-related career

Jonathan H. Reeder Memorial Scholarship

Established 1990 - Endowed

The David Lightner Family Scholarship was established in 1990. In 1995, Dr. Lightner, who taught in the Chemistry Department at the University of Nevada, Reno, and his family, changed the name of the endowment to the Jonathan H. Reeder Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund.  Mr. Reeder was a truly promising University of Nevada, Reno chemistry graduate who died tragically while pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles.  Reeder was an extremely talented student who would have made his mark in either academia or industry.

Student criteria:

• Chemistry major
• Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Demonstrate financial need
• Demonstrate potential for success in a career in Chemistry

Jack T. Thurston Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Established 1986 - Endowed

Evelyn B. Thurston established this scholarship in honor of her father, Dr. Jack T. Thurston.

Student criteria:

• Chemistry major
• Undergraduate student at the junior level will be selected to receive the scholarship during senior year
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• The student must be nominated by the Chemistry department faculty as deserving of this scholarship

Hans R. Wolfe Scholarship

Established 1998 - Endowed

Hans R. Wolfe, a 1947 alumnus of the University of Nevada, Reno, has earned such titles as "Mr. Goodcheer" and is considered one of the most genuine "good samaritans" in the Reno/Sparks area.  Hans came to America from Vienna, Austria. In Reno he studied chemistry in a university stint that was interrupted by World War II. He was then hired by Exxon and spent part of his career in South America, Spain, Belgium and Poland. After his retirement from Exxon, Hans took a position with First Interstate Bank that enabled him to become one of the most active members of the community.  At the university, Hans has given as much of himself to his alma mater as any individual can. Whether it is the medical school, the business college, intercollegiate athletics or the alumni association, Hans coordinates his schedule so that each of these areas receives his full attention, devotion and love. In recognition of these efforts, the University awarded Hans the President's Medal for his distinguished service and commitment. This scholarship account is created with a gift from his wife, Mimi.  The intent is to build the fund to the $10,000 level to endow the fund in perpetuity.

Student criteria:

• Chemistry major
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Full-time student