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Physical and Mathematical Sciences Annual Fund
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Kasia Harper, Geological Sciences
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From the Dean:
Once a year I receive some good news when the director of the BYU Annual Fund comes to my office and lets me know how much has been donated to our college. I’m always surprised because the amount is quite significant. You and many others who support our college are very generous!
Almost immediately, my thoughts turn to the students who will benefit from your generosity.
To me, donations to the BYU Annual Fund represent more than money. Each contribution is a gift of light. Each dollar helps another student to shine. You would enjoy seeing the faces of these students when we tell them they have qualified for a scholarship—or that their application for a mentored learning grant has been approved. Their countenances brighten. For many it is an answer to prayer. And they are always appreciative.
I, too, appreciate your ongoing support of the BYU Annual Fund. Thank you for your past gifts.
Here’s a short report to illustrate how your investment in education enabled us to let another light shine.
MEET KASIA HARPER
Kasia Harper is a geological sciences major from American Fork, Utah. During her undergraduate studies, a member of our faculty, Dr. Dana Griffen, offered her the opportunity to be a mentored research student. Funded in part by those who donate to our college, the experience allowed Kasia to magnify her love of learning.
Kasia reaped the benefits from her mentored research opportunity. Her work with Dr. Griffen earned her invitations to speak at two annual meetings of the Geological Society of America. She also enjoyed the rather rare undergraduate accomplishment of having a paper selected for publication by a professional, peer-reviewed journal, Canadian Mineralogist.
To help you appreciate the value of supporting mentored learning at BYU, Kasia tells the following story:
“The first year I presented at the Geological Society of America conference I met several people from Virginia Tech University, which has a well-respected mineralogy and crystallography program. They expressed an interest in me and this past fall came to see my presentation. Afterward they expressed disappointment that I hadn’t chosen to pursue my graduate degree at Virginia Tech. When I informed them that I was still only a senior, they renewed their interest, giving me another great option for graduate work.”
Kasia is getting married in February and foresees taking her children on field trips. She also looks forward to earning a master’s degree in geology and working with Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help bring fresh water to the people of third world countries.
“That’s groundwater, and that’s geology!” Kasia gushes. She thanks those who have contributed to make the mentored-student program possible. “It has benefited me in countless ways,” Kasia says, “and I will appreciate the experience for the rest of my life.”
Because of you and many generous people like you, I think Kasia has a very bright future. Wherever she goes, her light will shine.
TO GIVE A GIFT OF LIGHT
To give your gift of light this year, please complete the reply card you received in the mail or contribute online at College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Annual Fund. Remember that 100 percent of your gift will go where you designate.
Thank you,
Dean Earl M. Woolley
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