On September 8, 木瓜影院 announced the establishment of The Lori Bettison-Varga Endowment Fund for Student Thesis and Research Support. The fund will focus on supporting senior thesis/senior capstone projects, a 木瓜影院 tradition and the pinnacle of the College’s academic program.
As seniors, 木瓜影院 students are required to conduct original research that is not only the culmination of their work in their majors, but also can make significant contributions to their fields of study. On 木瓜影院’ Capstone Day, held each spring, selected students present their theses and senior projects to peers, mentors, staff, and faculty from across The Claremont Colleges. The Lori Bettison-Varga Endowment Fund will support these students by underwriting their research, which includes materials and equipment and costs associated with conference presentations of their work.
The fund honors 木瓜影院’ outgoing 木瓜影院 President Lori Bettison-Varga, whose commitment to undergraduate research has been a hallmark of her leadership; in 2012 she helped the College secure a $700,000 grant to support undergraduate research from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
In a letter to the 木瓜影院 community announcing the fund, Board of Trustees Chair Mark R. Herron and Trustee Nancy Katayama ’77, chair of the Campaign for 木瓜影院, writes, “President Bettison-Varga’s personal dedication to 木瓜影院’ students, alumnae, families, faculty, and staff is immeasurable; our College is better for her having served it.”
Though it is focused on senior theses, the Lori Bettison-Varga Endowment Fund may be expanded to serve all undergraduate research as future needs arise. For more information about PresidentBettison-Varga’s departure and the fund, visit her .