Gifts to the College of Arts and Sciences can help our students make the most of their college careers. Support from our alumni and friends can provide students access to hands-on learning, internships, research opportunities and more. Our faculty, the new professional advisors in Tykeson Hall and our staff prepare students from the moment they arrive on campus to when they launch into their career. Your contributions help assure that teaching, research, advising, mentoring, and support services are robust and fully available to every student.
One of the most meaningful ways you can invest in the college is by making a gift to the Dean’s Excellence Fund. This fund provides crucial flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities, address urgent needs, and invest strategically in the future of the college, its students and faculty.
A gift to the Dean’s Excellence Fund gives students the advising, mentoring, and hands-on experiences that prepare them to shape what comes next, for themselves and for all of us.
Thank you for your generosity to CAS and our students.
Donate Directly
You may also choose to invest directly in student scholarships. This helps us attract and retain high-achieving, diverse students.
Experiential Learning Fund
Experiential learning scholarships empower undergraduate students across academic disciplines and career interests to engage in faculty-mentored research, internships, study abroad, service learning, clinical placements, and field experiences. These opportunities span a wide range of impact areas, including environmental resilience, human performance and sport, and youth behavioral health.
These scholarships provide direct support for hands-on learning opportunities that deepen academic engagement, foster confidence and professional identity, strengthen career readiness, and inspire personal growth. Funding expands access to these transformational experiences and removes financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing high impact experiential learning opportunities.
“I have taken many anthropology courses at the university, but learning in the field was completely different, and my understanding of archaeology has been greatly expanded. This experience also gave me hands-on skills and connections with many of my peers in the field.”
- Rose Frerichs, ’25 (biology and anthropology). Assisted in an ongoing bioarchaeology project with Archaeotek in Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania.
“I want to be a volcanologist, and I have a special interest in Alaskan volcanoes. This trip helped me learn more about volcanism of all types and cemented my desire to pursue volcanology as a career.”
- Mia Luscher, BS ’26 (Earth sciences). Backpacked through the Valley of 10,000 Smokes in Katmai to learn about the 1912 eruption of Novarupta
“Without this award, I would not have been able to participate in this culturally enriching program. I have made lasting global connections. These are things that a young person growing up in the middle of nowhere could not have even fathomed would happen to her one day.”
- Stephanie Kerr, BS ’25 (biology and anthropology). Internship with a traditional fermentation company called Kamoshika in Kyoto, Japan.
Connect with Us
The College of Arts and Sciences Development team engages alumni, parents and friends in providing meaningful support for the college, its students and faculty. Connect with our Advancement team to explore how your support can open doors for students and fuel discovery across the College of Arts and Sciences.
