More than 900 students have declared majors in the College of Science. In our college, students have many opportunities to engage in hands-on, real-world research. Our graduates go on to some of the most prestigious graduate and medical schools in the country, and to successful careers in industry, government and academia. Our talented and dedicated faculty won more than $14 million in research funding in fiscal year 2025. The college's contributions to research and Ph.D. education were critical to the university reaching R1 research status. Because almost every academic program requires courses offered by the College of Science, your gift today will have a positive impact on students throughout the university. Your generosity will help support students in the following ways:
College of Science Scholarships
The cost of higher education is one of the major barriers keeping qualified students from attending the University of Idaho. In the current economic climate, scholarships are more important than ever. Your gift to scholarships will help students complete their degrees and provide access to the benefits of a University of Idaho education for future Vandals.
Gene '84 and Tammy Taft are generously matching gifts to the Harley Johansen Scholarship.
College of Science Excellence Fund
Gifts to the Excellence Fund allow the college to respond quickly to provide support for students facing financial hardships through our student emergency fund. We want to ensure that unexpected expenses do not prevent students from completing their degrees in a timely manner.
We also use the Excellence Fund for a number of other programs, including:
- Competitive travel grants that allow students and faculty to travel for research and professional meetings and conferences.
- Study abroad scholarships to help students enhance their education through experiences of new people, cultures, and places. Students have recently participated in programs in Chile, Spain and the United Kingdom.
- The annual College of Science Student Research Expo, which highlights original work by undergraduate and graduate students.
- Student, faculty and staff awards.
- Outreach to encourage prospective students to join the Vandal Family.
Dean Ginger Carney has set up a challenge for gifts from College of Science faculty, staff, retirees, and advisory board members. Matching gifts will be directed to the college's Excellence Fund.
An anonymous donor is matching gifts to the College of Science on Vandal Giving Day - matching gifts will go to the Excellence Fund.
College of Science Undergraduate Research Fund
Hands-on research is a highlight of a University of Idaho education. We encourage undergraduates to learn science by doing science. Past participants in undergraduate research have gone on to graduate school and medical school at some of the most prestigious universities in the country, including Stanford, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Cal Tech, MIT, and the University of Washington. Gifts to the Undergraduate Research Fund will be used to fund competitive research grants that help recruit outstanding students and prepare them for successful careers.
Brian and Gayle Hill are generously matching gifts to the College of Science - matching gifts will support undergraduate research.
Science Research Innovation Fund
Gifts to the Science Research Innovation Fund will support strategic investments to support research in the college, including purchase and maintenance of equipment, lab upgrades and renovations, seed grants and matching funds, and faculty startup packages.
Thank you!
Your generosity truly makes a difference in our students' lives - we could not do it without you. Thank you!
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Eric Bennett at ebennett@uidaho.edu.
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ID | 20 |
| 2 | WA | 5 |
| 3 | OR | 3 |
