Fund: Brian and Shari Thomas Endowed Scholarship Fund in Economics and Environmental Sciences Department: Undergrad Student Financial Aid D02089 Purpose: Undergraduate Student Support BACKGROUND Dr. Brian G. Thomas grew up in Covina, CA, and graduated from Covina High School. Although he was offered a UC Regents Scholarship to attend UC Riverside, Dr. Thomas enrolled at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona after being offered a scholarship to play basketball. Dr. Thomas enjoyed his time at Cal Poly as a student-athlete and graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Economics. However, it wasn’t until attending UC Riverside for graduate school, where he earned a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Economics, that he found a true appreciation for the student experience in Higher Education. Dr. Thomas’ time at UC Riverside made a lasting impact on his life and prepared him for a successful career as a leader and executive in the water and energy utility industry. He developed an appreciation for public service and the need for creative and collaborative thinking across disciplines to address the complex challenges future leaders will confront. It is because of the community he found at UCR, and the opportunities afforded by his experience and education at UCR, that he and his wife, Shari, wish to support future generations of UC Riverside students in their pursuit of degrees in economics and environmental studies. He believes that our community, country, and world need more citizens with a multi-disciplinary background, and endeavors to encourage these fields of study through the establishment of the Brian and Shari Thomas Endowed Scholarship Fund in Economics and Environmental Sciences. Furthermore, Dr. Thomas believes that participation in intercollegiate athletics offers a unique opportunity for college students to grow and develop outside of the classroom. For this reason, it is preferred that UC Riverside student-athletes will be recipients of the scholarship, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of the fund. Fund Purpose: The expendable distributions from this Fund shall be used to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students in the departments of Environmental Sciences (CNAS) or Economics (CHASS). The Financial Aid Office will administer the Endowed Fund. Criteria and Selection Process It is the Donors’ intent that the Endowed Scholarship Fund be used to support students in the following ways: 1. Student must be a declared undergraduate in any major program offered by the departments of Environmental Sciences (CNAS) or Economics (CHASS). 2. Student must have financial need as determined by the FAFSA. 3. Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the University. 4. Preference to be given to a student-athlete. In years when there is no candidate who meets the criteria, awards will be held until the following year. Request for Information: Request Scholarship Information