Young aspiring scientists will have another way to support their education at Chapman University thanks to the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation and its longest-serving board member.

On Oct. 3, the foundation announced a $1 million endowment to create the Wescombe STEM Scholarship at Chapman’s Schmid College of Science and Technology. The scholarship, which honors recently retired Beckman Foundation board member Gary Wescombe, was unveiled at the Keck Center for Science and Engineering.

“It’s a nice recognition from a major national foundation – that they see us as a place to train top STEM scholars in Orange County,” said Schmid College Dean Michael Ibba. The four-year scholarship, which will be awarded starting in fall 2024, will support two students each year. Students must be from Orange County and majoring in a science field. These scholars receive both faculty and peer mentoring.

“The Wescombe STEM Scholarship will help us cultivate more homegrown talent in the sciences and send more Chapman graduates to Orange County’s STEM industry,” said Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa.