Christopher Kakolewski, a senior Geology/Water Resources major from Kingston, was selected by the Earth Sciences faculty as recipient of the annual QTZ Scholarship Award, which recognizes high academic standing. Available to Geology, Water Resources, and Earth Science majors at the College, the award was established by three SUNY Oneonta alumni: Terry Quinn, a 1982 Earth Science graduate; Eric Tappa, who graduated in 1981 with a degree in Economics and Philosophy; and James Zachos, a 1982 Geology graduate. The three established the scholarship to support the academic experience that they recall from their undergraduate days at the College.

Scott Wetmore, a senior Adolescence Education: Earth Science major from Otego, received the Peter W. Knightes Scholarship Award, which honors the 1967 SUNY Oneonta graduate who went on to become a professor of Geology and Geography at Central Texas College. Endowed by a fund established by Dr. Knightes, the award is presented to an outstanding student who intends to teach Earth Sciences in New York State.

Alex Lyakov, a sophomore Meteorology major from Brooklyn, received the M. Ira Dubins Scholarship Award. The award, established by the generous gifts of the family of the late SUNY Oneonta professor emeritus, recognizes a student for outstanding achievement in any of the five majors offered by the Earth Sciences Department.

The Scholarship for Excellence in Water Resources, Geology and Earth Sciences was presented to Shane Putnam, a sophomore Water Resources major from Chester, VT; Fiona Lowry, a junior Water Resources major from Caledonia; and Christopher Aucoin, a junior Geology major from Wyantskill. The award was made possible through the generous gifts of Professor emeritus Arthur Palmer and Mrs. Margaret V. Palmer, who earned her master’s in Geology at the College. The scholarship recognizes promising scholars of sophomore or junior standing majoring in Water Resources, Geology, Earth Science, or Adolescent Education: Earth Science.

The scholarships were presented as part of Majors’ Night during which alumni of the department’s programs return to campus to discuss their careers and offer advice to current students.