To show their support of Transforming Lives, the Campaign for Southeast Missouri State University, Jason LeGrand and Dr. Eric Burkholder have funded a new endowed scholarship for physics education at the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. The couple created the scholarship to support Southeast students studying to become high school physics teachers. Recipients will receive a financial aid award and the opportunity for a summer learning experience with Dr. Burkholder’s academic research group.
LeGrand, who currently serves as senior director of principal gifts and strategic initiatives for the University of California, Berkeley, is a Southeast graduate and member of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation Board of Directors. Burkholder serves as an assistant professor in Auburn University’s Department of Physics where he teaches and leads a research group focused on the teaching and learning of physics. He received his B.S. in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Cornell University, his M.S. and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and was a postdoctoral research scholar studying physics and engineering education under Nobel laureate Carl Wieman at Stanford University.
Through his role on the Southeast Missouri University Foundation Board, LeGrand serves as a member of the campaign steering committee and resource development committee. He is a recipient of the Southeast Alumni Association's Young Alumni Merit Award and is a member of the President's Council, Horizon Club, Redhawks Club, and KRCU Circle. He recently assisted with the establishment of the Emily York Endowed Admissions Achievement Award and the Walter B. Wildman, III, Endowed Scholarship for Civic Engagement. He previously established the Jason J. LeGrand and Neal E Boyd Endowment, in honor of Neal, his late friend and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brother.
“We are grateful for Jason and Eric’s ongoing commitment and investment in the mission of Southeast Missouri State University,” said Wendell Snodgrass, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. “Scholarships like this transform lives”.
The Jason LeGrand and Dr. Eric Burkholder Endowed Scholarship for Physics Education will be available in 2024 for students entering Southeast.
For more information, visit SEMOtransforms.org or contact them at (573) 651-2332.