Background

Jim Cantore, Lyndon State College class of 1986, respected and popular on-camera meteorologist for The Weather Channel (TWC), funded this scholarship in 2006. Jim’s ability to combine quality weather content with a dynamic reporting style earned him a large and loyal national viewership.

The host of The Weather Channel’s educational “Storm Stories” and “Ask Cantore” is also known for his informative and exciting weathercasting from the fury of major hurricanes. The scholarship honors an incoming Atmospheric Sciences major in the department’s TV concentration whose high school experiences indicate ability, talent, and motivation.

Criteria and Award

This scholarship is given annually to an Atmospheric Sciences major. The criteria are:

• A freshman Atmospheric Sciences major specializing in the television weathercasting concentration;
• Strong potential and interest in TV weathercasting.
• This award is in the amount of $500 and is renewable for one year upon satisfactory college progress.
• The recipient is recognized at an all-campus student award ceremony.

Application and Selection

Applicants should email their materials to the Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair by March 15.

Materials should consist of:

• An essay explaining your career and educational aspirations and how you plan to reach those goals;
• Outline of any volunteer or community service work;
• Any information pertinent to the Jim Cantore Scholarship.

Obligation of Recipient

The recipient must:

• Attend Northern Vermont University-Lyndon as a full-time student in the B.S. Atmospheric Sciences degree program with a broadcasting concentration;
• Attend the award ceremony to receive recognition;
• Send written acknowledgement of appreciation of the scholarship to the Atmospheric Sciences Department, c/o Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair for forwarding to Jim Cantore by October 1.

Background

The Norman Sebastian Scholarship in Meteorology is named for a 1979 Lyndon State College Atmospheric Sciences Department alumnus who passed away in 2000. Norm enjoyed a successful career on The Weather Channel for three years and then became a full-time meteorologist at WNYT in Albany, New York. He grew up on a dairy farm in Preston, CT, loved the outdoors, enjoyed hiking, and was a Civil War enthusiast.

Norm prided himself on his reputation as a broadcaster with a sharp wit who recognized the importance of providing his viewers with a high quality weather forecast presented in a professional, but approachable, manner. He was motivated, outgoing, and friendly, with high energy and a very positive outlook on life. Norm’s family, friends, Lyndon Atmospheric Sciences alumni, colleagues, and loyal viewers established this scholarship in honor of his memory in 2001.

Criteria and Award

This scholarship is given annually to an Atmospheric Sciences major who is in the first year of study at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon. The criteria are:

• Motivation – as shown in a two-page type-written essay on their life and accomplishments;
• Academic potential in the sciences – as shown on a transcript of high school (or other college) academic work.
• Financial need – as shown on Northern Vermont University financial aid application forms.
• This scholarship is in the amount of $500 and is recognized at an all-campus student award ceremony.

Application and Selection

Applicants should submit their materials to the Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair by March 15.

Materials should consist of:

• An essay explaining your career and educational aspirations and how you plan to reach those goals;
• Outline of any volunteer or community service work;
• Any information pertinent to the Norm Sebastian Scholarship.

Obligation of Recipient

The recipient must:

• Attend Northern Vermont University-Lyndon as a full-time student in the B.S. Atmospheric Sciences degree program;
• Attend the Rising Student Award ceremony to receive recognition;
• Send written acknowledgement of appreciation of the scholarship to the Atmospheric Sciences Department, c/o Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair for forwarding to the Sebastian family by October 1.

Background

This award was officially instituted at Lyndon in 2017 by the Vermont State Colleges as the result of an initial donation from William (Bill) Dean Harttranft.

Bill met Bruce soon after Bill began attending Lyndon in 2000. At the time, Bill was a non-traditional student with a declared a major in Meteorology and an intense enthusiasm for all types of threatening weather. He chose Lyndon because he wished to learn about storm development, the impact of storms on life and property, and ways of increasing public safety through early warning of approaching storms.

Bruce was Bill’s academic adviser throughout his time at LSC. What begin as a shared fascination with weather grew to become a long-lasting friendship. Bill established the award in recognition of this close relationship and Bruce’s friendly approach toward mentoring students and assisting them with embracing their opportunities.

Criteria and Award

This award recognizes an incoming student (freshmen or transfer) who has prepared wisely through schooling and/or employment for success in an area of the atmospheric sciences, and exhibits a strong interest or activity in serving the public (weather forecasting, climate applications, research, activities, or application of meteorological knowledge).

Application and Selection

Applicants should submit their materials to the Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair by March 15.

Selection is based on the applicant’s academic preparation and community activities prior to attending Lyndon, and on their expression (written or video) of desire to apply their knowledge for positive change, either personal or societal.

Background

The Gil Ford Award commemorates the life and work of Gil Ford, a resident of West Burke, Vermont. Gil volunteered as the local NWS co-operative weather observer in 1931 and for the next 68 years never missed a single observation. Gil’s weather observations were a valuable source of information to the National Weather Service and have been studied for years by meteorology students at Lyndon State College. Gil demonstrated outstanding service to his community throughout his life. Outgoing and gregarious, Gil, in his later years, delighted in writing the college and talking with meteorology students about his weather and life experiences.

The Atmospheric Sciences Department strongly believes that many of Gil’s personal attributes (his interest and dedication to meteorology, his commitment to community service, his strong work ethic, and his respect for others) are qualities that are common to those who wish to make a positive contribution to the field of meteorology and to their community.

Criteria and Award

The award is given annually to a graduating Atmospheric Sciences senior who has demonstrated:

• Outstanding scholarship;
• Outstanding leadership;
• Outstanding personal integrity;
• Great potential for the advancement of Atmospheric Sciences over the course of his/her career;
• Unselfish service to the community.

Selection

• The recipient will be selected by the Atmospheric Sciences Department faculty.

Obligation of Recipient

All recipients are expected to attend the Robing Ceremony.

Background

The Gil and Avis Ford Scholarship in Meteorology is named for the dedicated National Weather Service Cooperative Observer, Gil Ford. Gil, with his wife Avis’ assistance, recorded weather observations at their West Burke, Vermont home for over 68 years without missing a day. In the Lyndon State College Meteorology Department, students and faculty enjoyed a mutually respectful and beneficial relationship with the Fords for over 20 years and used their data for research and classes.

In 2002, Gil and Avis established a scholarship to help students achieve their educational dreams and realize their full personal potential through the study of meteorology at Northern Vermont University. Gil passed away in 2002 and Avis passed away in 2003; both were 97 and had been married for 77 years. They were well known in the area as unassuming, helpful folks of high integrity who were community oriented and had pleasant and friendly personalities.

Criteria and Award

This scholarship is given annually to a continuing Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Atmospheric Sciences student. The criteria are:

• Academic potential – shown by academic achievement during full-time study toward the BS Atmospheric Sciences degree at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon,
• Continued study toward the B.S. Atmospheric Sciences degree at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon – shown by registration for the fall semester, and
• Community involvement (on-and/or off-campus) – shown by a two-page typed essay summarizing activities and accomplishments.
• This scholarship is in the amount of $500 and the recipient is recognized at an all-campus student award ceremony.

Application and Selection

• Applicants should submit their essay to the Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair by April 1.
• The selection committee will obtain the transcript and proof of pre-registration. The recipient will be announced early in the summer.

Background

This endowment was established in 2015 by Ralph Vasami, class of 1982, in honor of Joe D’Aleo. Joe joined Colonel Woodall late in the first year of the program at Lyndon. Together they made the program the destination for those looking at meteorology as a career. By promoting the program and working with meteorologists in the field and broadcasters in the media, enrollment rose from 37 to 137 during his tenure. In 1980, Joe was called on by John Coleman to help him plan The Weather Channel (TWC) while producing Good Morning America weather shows. In 1981, Joe began hiring for the launch of TWC and drew heavily on his Lyndon students with experience for both forecasting and broadcasting positions. Joe was the first Director of Meteorology at TWC and Lyndon Alumni helped make TWC the success it became. The purpose of this endowment is to provide scholarship support to Atmospheric Sciences students in good academic standing with preference given to students with financial need. Selection is made by the ATM faculty.

Application and Selection

• Applicants should submit their summary and materials to the Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair by December 1.
• Overcome adversity and other challenges – shown with a one-page summary
• Improvement and ongoing commitment to academics – shown with an unofficial Northern Vermont University transcript
• The recipient will be selected by the Atmospheric Sciences Department faculty.

Obligation of Recipient

All recipients are expected to attend the Robing Ceremony in May, and write a thank you letter.

Background

Climate change presents humankind with a monumental challenge. While scientists understand the need for immediate climate change mitigation, the urgency of our situation is not well understood by many outside of the scientific community. It is therefore crucial for today’s scientists to communicate the impacts of climate change by educating the general public and key decision makers. Scientists must instill a sense of urgency for climate change action. This type of engagement is beyond what is traditionally expected of scientists and takes a tremendous amount of passion and courage. Vermont residents, Carl Bayer and Sheila Reed, established this award to recognize Atmospheric Sciences students at Lyndon who have demonstrated such courage.

Criteria and Award

The Climate Courage Awards are given annually to graduating Atmospheric Sciences or Climate Change Science seniors who have:

• accepted the responsibility to educate others about the urgency of climate change action,
• engaged with members of the community such as students, meteorologists, business leaders, and/or government officials,
• demonstrated passion for decarbonizing our global energy system by advocating for a clean energy future based on renewable sources, and
• expressed commitment to continued climate change advocacy as described in a two-page essay.

Application and Selection

• Applicants should submit their summary and materials to the Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair by December 1.
• The recipient will be selected by the Atmospheric Sciences Department faculty.

Obligation of Recipient

All recipients are expected to attend the Robing Ceremony in May.

Background

As human-caused climate change progresses, it is vital that scientists communicate the importance of mitigation to lessen the extent of impacts on future generations. It takes courage to engage in climate change outreach, particularly for upcoming scientists who are just beginning to understand the intricacies of the science. At Lyndon, we recognize that actively participating in this important conversation is the best way to teach effective communication, while also starting a dialog between young scientists and the community. Vermont residents, Carl Bayer and Sheila Reed, established this scholarship to recognize young Atmospheric and Climate Change Science students who have demonstrated a willingness to engage with the community about climate change science and solutions.

Criteria and Award

The Climate Courage Scholarship is given annually to Atmospheric Sciences or Climate Change Science sophomores or juniors who have:

• completed, or are in the process of completing, Survey of Climatology and Statistics I and II (ATM 2061 and 2062),
• accepted the responsibility to educate others about the urgency of climate change action and the need to decarbonize our global energy system,
• started to engage with members of the community through Lyndon’s Climate Change Communication group, The Climate Consensus, and/or other organizations, and
• expressed commitment to continued climate change advocacy as described in a two-page essay.

Application and Selection

• applicants should submit their summary and materials to the Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair by April 1.
• applicants must be in good academic standing. Preference will be given to students with Pell Grant eligibility and financial need.
• the recipient will be selected by the Atmospheric Sciences Department faculty and announced early in the summer
• this scholarship is in the amount of $500 and the recipient is recognized at an all-campus student award ceremony.

The Col. Merle Woodall Endowment was named after the founder of the LSC Meteorology Department, honoring the memory of “The Colonel.” Col. Woodall established the department when he brought the meteorology faculty and students from Belknap College to LSC in January 1974. He retired in 1986 and passed on in 2006. This endowment was created with gifts from alumni and friends who fondly remember Col. Woodall’s belief in the importance of students receiving a quality education and his practical approach toward helping students to succeed in his classes. This endowment was created with gifts from alumni and friends of Merle Woodall and being matched by Universal Weather and the Valade Endowment Matching Funds. To provide annual award(s) to NVU-Lydon Atmospheric Sciences (ATM) student(s) whose work has been accepted by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) or other professional organization for presentation at a conference, to help defray the costs of attending and creating professional presentation graphics. Recipients will be chosen at the discretion of the ATM department chair after discussing with the ATM faculty.