One such student is Maigan Dunlap, a junior geology major from San Angelo. Last summer she worked on a research project funded by a $116,500 gift from the Shell Oil Exploration and Production Company. Dunlap and other students gained real-world experience while developing strategies to reclaim rangelands damaged as a result of oil field operations. The opportunity changed her life.
“Last year, when I started working on this project, I knew I wanted to study geology but I didn’t know what to focus on,” Dunlap said. “Now I know I want to focus on the remediation area.”
The gift from Shell Oil is one of many made to Angelo State during a record-setting year, with more than $15 million raised for 2014–15. A single event, the annual Phil George Blue & Gold Dinner and Auction, raised more than $200,000 for ASU Athletics.
These private contributions transform our students’ educational experience by funding research, lectureships, facilities, academic programs, scholarships and more.
ASU’s strong scholarship base makes higher education possible for students who otherwise might accumulate large debt or opt out altogether. The Carr Scholarship Foundation and more than 200 other scholarships managed by the ASU Foundation give prospective and current students myriad opportunities for security and hope.
Jamie Akin, ASU’s executive director of development and alumni relations, makes sure donors understand they make huge transformations possible.
“Private support is increasingly important at Angelo State as we continue to rise as a national leader in higher education,” she said. “Our donors help ensure the resources are available to deliver an award-winning education while our students enjoy a great experience on our beautiful campus. Our faculty and staff provide life-changing work each day to ensure our educational efforts make the most impact.”
Anyone can become part of the ASU mission, either by joining the ASU President’s Circle, ASU Alumni Association or Ram Club or establishing an endowment that generates income in perpetuity.
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Laurel Scott
Laurel Scott is a news and information specialist at Angelo State University.
Email Laurel at laurel.scott@angelo.edu.
