At a time of profound changes in ocean, earth, and environmental science research and education, this scholarship invests in students who are the next generation of scientific leaders—advancing discovery, addressing coastal challenges, and carrying forward the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and service that defined Dr. Larry P. Atkinson’s career. Gifts to this fund help students remain focused on study, research, and professional preparation.
- Each year, one undergraduate and one graduate student receive this scholarship.
Ocean, earth, and environmental sciences are at an inflection point
Programs in ocean, earth, and environmental sciences are evolving rapidly in response to changing student needs, technological innovations, and growing societal demands for effective solutions to environmental challenges. Students entering these fields today must be prepared not only as scientists, but as collaborators, data users, field observers, communicators, and problem solvers equipped to lead in a complex world.
The Larry P. Atkinson Endowed Scholarship meets this moment by supporting students who are preparing to address the challenges that will define the coming decades: sea-level rise, climate change, ecosystem change, coastal resilience, and sustained ocean observation.
Future Ocean Science Leadership
The scholarship helps prepare students to lead in fields increasingly defined by climate change, coastal resilience, data-rich observation, and interdisciplinary problem solving.
Annual Student Support
Each year, one undergraduate student and one graduate student receive support through this Scholarship.
Legacy of Mentorship
The fund honors Dr. Atkinson’s quiet, effective leadership and his commitment to bringing people together around important scientific problems.
Opportunity at a Critical Moment
As traditional programs adapt to changing enrollments, workforce and societal needs, targeted scholarship support is critical to helping sustain the next generation of ocean, earth, and environmental scientists.
A scientist, mentor, and institution builder
Dr. Larry P. Atkinson (1941–2020) was the founding director of the Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography (CCPO) at 91ÖÆƬ³§ after serving for 14 years at Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Georgia.
His influence extended across the oceanography community. He helped develop the Global Ocean Observing System (OOS), contributed to regional ocean observing efforts in the Middle Atlantic, served as an editor of major oceanography journals, and helped focus attention on rising sea level in southeastern Virginia.
His work centered on physical and chemical processes in the coastal ocean, and his leadership was defined by a rare ability to bring people together around important problems and guide them toward solutions.
His legacy is not only scientific; it is also educational. His career demonstrated the value of observation, mentorship, collaboration, and practical problem solving. Those same qualities are increasingly essential for students entering modern ocean, earth, and environmental science careers.
Scholarships create time, focus, and opportunity
The 2025–26 awardees show the practical value of scholarship support: less financial pressure, more time for study, and greater access to research opportunities.
- Support that reaches both levels
One undergraduate and one graduate student benefit each year, strengthening the full student pipeline. - Direct investment in the field
Donor support helps students persist in ocean, earth, and environmental sciences at a time when these disciplines must adapt and grow.
Elizjah Eddy
Undergraduate Student Awardee
Elizjah is a senior in Ocean and Earth Sciences (OES) with an emphasis in physical oceanography. He described the scholarship as allowing him to devote more time to his studies and take advantage of research opportunities during the school year while reducing the burden of personal living expenses.
Greg Joern
Graduate Student Awardee
Greg described this scholarship as among the most meaningful honors he has received. He reflected on Dr. Atkinson’s mentorship, including an oceanography course created to help him graduate on time, and shared that this award will help him complete the final chapter of his dissertation.
Help natural science education thrive through change!
The future of our fields will require students who can cross disciplinary boundaries, work with complex data, conduct field and observational research, and connect science to urgent environmental challenges. This scholarship helps ensure that promising students have the support to become that next generation of leaders.
- Sustains annual support for undergraduate and graduate scholars
- Honors Dr. Atkinson’s legacy of mentorship and leadership
- Advances modern, interdisciplinary ocean, earth, and environmental science education
- Strengthens the pipeline of future ocean, earth, and environmental scientists
- Supports students pursuing coastal, climate, and oceanographic research
- Helps students remain engaged in research despite rising educational costs
Make a Difference!
Invest in future leaders in ocean, earth, and environmental sciences
Every contribution strengthens a scholarship that serves one undergraduate and one graduate student each year while preserving Dr. Atkinson’s legacy of scientific leadership, mentorship, and collaborative problem solving.
Ways to Give
Gift options include: One-time gifts, recurring giving, tribute gifts, or endowed support.