Invested in growing the next generation of scientists

Ian Pepper remembers being a young student in 1970, arriving in the United States from England with $50 in his pocket. 

He hopped on a Greyhound bus to the Ohio State University to start his graduate work in soil microbiology. However, he discovered his paid fellowship would not start for another few weeks. Thankfully, the department head pulled out an old tin cash box and gave him a loan. 

Now, after over 40 years at the University of Arizona and a highly respected leader in environmental microbiology both locally and internationally, Pepper remembers what a difference both the paid fellowship and the loan made starting off as a young scientist. 

As the Director of the National Science Foundation Water and Environmental Technology (WEST) Center and a professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Pepper wanted to give something back.

Pepper and his wife Barbara have included students from the Department of Environmental Science in their family’s estate plan. They plan on leaving a generous legacy gift to offer continued aid, but also wanted to make an immediate impact. 

“It’s always been about the students, watching them grow and mature.” says Pepper. “It’s gratifying.” 

Since 2018, the Dr. Ian Pepper Scholarship has supported two exemplary undergraduate students each year pursuing an environmental science major in need of financial aid. 

This way, Pepper not only financially supports these students, but can get to know them, offering advice and tips to young, ambitious environmental scientists.

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“The scholarship means a lot. I come from a single parent, low-income family. That scholarship is going to go towards groceries for me and my brother, rent for the house. It really means the difference between me getting a second job, my mom getting a second job. It definitely means a lot to us.”

Illiana Samorano

Dr. Ian Pepper Scholar, 2023 - 2024

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“I want to involve myself in something bigger and develop more sustainable practices. I plan on going to culinary school and starting a sustainable farm to market restaurant. And receiving this scholarship really helps me, I fund my college solely with my income and so any amount helps. I’m very grateful for this very generous scholarship.”

Jo Mikronis

Dr. Ian Pepper Scholar, 2023 - 2024