Next generation of geologists receive support at Nebraska

University of Nebraska alumnus Bill Walker enjoys his work as a geologist and always desired to give back in some way to the program that provided him a head start in his field. Now he's found a meaningful way to do just that.

He and wife Judy Orendorff Walker donated $250,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation to establish two permanently endowed funds designed to support students in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Bill Walker said he's grateful to have the opportunity to support young people pursuing careers in this important area of science.

"The state of Nebraska, the university, and especially the Geosciences Department have meant so much to us over the years," Bill Walker said. "They provided me with the support, the training and the encouragement to forge a rewarding career.

The Walkers, who live in Sedalia, Colo., said they hope their gift to the Geosciences Department will support efforts to recruit talented undergraduate and graduate students to the program. The gift supports two funds: One provides annual fellowships to graduate students studying geology and the other fund supports the department's field research program.

David Watkins, professor and chair of the UNL Department of Geosciences, said the gift from the Walkers is a "fabulous addition" to the university.

"The Walker Graduate Fellowship will allow us to target and attract the very highest caliber of students into our most vibrant graduate program in energy and energy resources," Watkins said. "Their additional fund will support freshmen and sophomores who participate in our annual research trip to a western U.S. mountain range."

Bill Walker's 42-year career as a geologist for oil companies was set in motion when he lost his job at a gas station in downtown Lincoln in 1961. With little interest in college at the time and no financial resources, he visited the vocational rehabilitation office for consultation and to take skills and aptitude tests. Shortly after, he was notified by the University of Nebraska that he'd be eligible for scholarship aid if he chose to enroll.

He accepted the scholarship, and with financial barriers removed, he began studying chemistry. Then one day he began thumbing through a fellow student's geology textbook and was intrigued. Walker said he found the information "fascinating" and couldn't put the book down, so he changed his focus. He majored in geology and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1965 and then finished a master's degree two years later.

Teachers at the university provided the encouragement Walker now recalls as being so important. He was especially inspired by Professor Sam Treves, his academic adviser who he considers an "outstanding role model." Although officially retired, Treves continues to teach a popular geology course and has been at the university for almost 50 years.

"Professor Treves provided much inspiration and is someone you look up to," Walker said. "He's such a fine teacher and individual, and he played an instrumental role in the success of students."

Now because of support through the Walker endowment funds, the department chair said he hopes more students will develop an affinity for geology and meaningful careers in this field.

"Our goal will be to reproduce, as best we can, the great field trip Bill Walker participated in when he was new to geology," Watkins said. "That trip showed him the wonders of geology, and helped to set his course in life toward his successful career. We hope we can do the same for the geologists of the next generation."

Bill Walker has worked in Colorado for various oil companies over the years, including his first job with Shell Oil Co., and continues consulting in this field. His wife Judy Orendorff Walker is also a Nebraska native, and the couple has two adult daughters.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that has raised private gifts to support the University of Nebraska for 73 years. Last year, it provided more than $130 million -- the most ever -- for students, faculty, academic programs, research, and for campus and building improvements on all four campuses.