Supporting the Chemistry Department

The chemistry department of Sonoma State University strives to maintain the highest quality education and research that can be afforded to our students.  Nevertheless, the ability of the department to sustain that level of excellence becomes more difficult with each passing year due to the escalating costs in our general operations.  Gifts to the SSU Academic Foundation are tax deductible.  If you are interested in donating to the department, the first question that may come to mind is what the most critical needs of the department are.  Some of the most important needs are given below:

The Chemistry Department Scholarship Fund  

The rising cost of higher education is making it far more difficult for highly talented individuals to attend the college of their choice. Donations to support undergraduate scholarships will allow us to remain more competitive in attracting such talent.  We provide departmental scholarships to deserving chemistry students based on academic performance.  We are currently trying to raise $10,000 for the chemistry scholarship fund.

The Professor Donald D. Marshall Scholarship Fund  

In addition to the Chemistry Department Scholarship Fund there is one other individual scholarship fund accepting donations.  The Marshall scholarship is specifically for chemistry majors with an interest in analytical chemistry. 

Student Development Fund

Our summer research program continues to flourish, with many chemistry majors staying every summer to conduct research with our faculty. The purpose of this fund is to support undergraduate research by creating fellowships to allow our majors to undertake research projects.  This fund will also support travel of chemistry majors to conferences and professional meeting. We are currently trying to raise $10,000 for this fund.

Nichols Equipment Fund  

An integral component of the chemistry curriculum at SSU has been the students' "hands on" experience using the available instrumental methods within the department. We have an extensive array of scientific equipment available for use by the undergraduates in both formal coursework and research.  However, some of the instruments are rather old and in need of upgrades, or complete replacement.  Our next large purchase will hopefully be a new 400 MHz NMR for the department.  We are currently trying to raise $30,000 for this fund.

Chemistry Department Fund  

This fund is to be used for the general benefit of the chemistry department and its programs.  Donations into this account are typically used to facilitate program growth and development, enhance classroom and laboratory technology, and many other important department needs. Also, this fund supports the travel of faculty to conferences and professional meetings or to participate in professional activities that enhance the visibility of the SSU Chemistry program.  We are currently trying to raise $30,000 for this fund.

Thanks to Our Donors

We would like to thank all of the donors to the SSU Chemistry Program. Your generous gifts have allowed us to attract exceptional students to our program and provide learning opportunities that exceed those allowed by our annual budget. We sincerely hope that we have not left anyone off this list, if we have please let us know so we can recognize your generosity. Thank you!!

To make a contribution: