Endowments are a key component of our Scholarship Funds.
With the approval of the WEATSF Board of Directors, special endowments may be formed and named according to the wishes of the donor or Sponsoring Organization. Some have already been formed to honor or recognize an individual (alive or deceased) for their contribution to the water/wastewater utilities profession. Others have been created by special interest groups or WEAT Sections. The endowment creators may establish additional criteria for awarding their funds provided the additional criteria do not supersede or contradict the criteria established by the Fund. If you are interested in learning more please reach out to us using our “Contact Us” page or complete an application and provide the initial contribution amount of $500
Sieger Memorial Endowment
The Sieger Memorial Endowment was created to commemorate the life and contributions of Ronald B. Sieger, P.E. At the time of his passing Ron was Vice President and Principal Technologist for CH2M Hill. Throughout his distinguished career he made many meaningful and substantial contributions to improving wastewater quality. His work on wastewater treatment and residuals projects was known worldwide. Ron eagerly contributed his time and talent to several professional organizations, but he the dearest to his heart were his friends and associates at WEAT. He enjoyed and gave freely of his time in mentoring young people entering the industry. Scholarships provided by the Sieger Endowment allow us to help fulfil his wish to bring more young people into the industry.
Curtis Smalley Memorial Edowment
The Curtis Smalley Memorial Endowment was created to honor the passion and work of Curtis Smalley. Curtis was an active WEF/WEAT member for more than 25 years. He embodied the roles of wastewater operator and became known as a true water leader, whose larger than life presence was only overshadowed by his immense passion for water and the need to protect it. He got his start in the water industry as a wastewater operator and was dedicated to advancing the professionalism of water and wastewater operators. He viewed water as the most important element on Earth and encouraged others to feed their passion and let it infect others.
Riley Crocker Endowment
The Riley Crocker Endowment was established in December of 2019 to honor the life and work of Riley Crocker. Riley was a long-time member of WEF/ WEAT and an avid supporter of the Ops Challenge Event at the annual Texas Water Conference.
Northeast Texas Section Endowment
The Northeast Texas Section of WEAT comprises counties surrounding Longview, Tyler, Lufkin, and Texarkana. It is an active WEAT Section holding regular bimonthly meetings. In an effort to advance industry growth and give back to its members, the NET Section created the NET Section Endowment on December 30, 2013. Scott Baggett is the official Endowment Representative.
Kenneth D. Dodson Endowment
The Kenneth D. Dodson Endowment was established in the spring of 2011 to honor the lift and work of Kenneth Dodson. Kenny worked in the water and wastewater industry for 30 years and left a lasting impact on our industry that will always be remembered. He was a larger than lift personality that could captivate a room with his amazing stories and his strong southern charm. Kenny was an outstanding mentor that understood the importance of showing how things work. He worked with engineers and junior associates every chance he got and dedicated his professional career to educating and entertaining those around him. Kenny’s giving spirit lives on supporting young professionals through the Kenneth D. Dodson Endowment and the YP Dodson Drive 5k, which is the endowment’s fund raising event held every year during the Texas Water Conference.
Visit the YP Dodson Drive social Media page at www.facebook.com/YPDD5k for more information.
San Antonio Section Endowment
The San Antonio Section Endowment was established in March of 2015. The San Antonio Section of WEAT is one of WEAT’s most active sections and recognizes the need to help fund the education of tomorrow’s industry leaders. The Section places great importance on career development and believes assisting in educational enhancement is vital to the industry, and vital to its Section membership. James Scardami is the endowment representative.
Southeast Section Endowment
The Southeast Texas Section Endowment is to support, promote, and encourage the educational pursuits and goals of active members, or their college bound dependents. Each year the endowment chooses at least one applicant yearly to award a scholarship of at least $500. Preference is given to students with degree programs with the intention of entering the environmental field including Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Management and Public Administration. However, all degree programs are welcome and considered. Additional Preference is given to students in close geographical proximity to WEAT Southeast Texas.
Stacie Long Memorial Endowment
Friends and family of Stacie Long created the memorial endowment in the spring of 2016 to memorialize Stacie’s work with the industry as a former City of Austin employee. While with the City of Austin, Stacie was a project manager for portions of the WTP4 project, as well as others.
Bill Tatum Memorial Endowment
William (Bill) Tatum, a giant in the industry and unwavering water quality professional for more than 50 years, passed away unexpectedly on September 14, 2023. Bill was the Project Manager at the Central Regional Wastewater System (CRWS) plant since 1986. During his leadership, CRWS was without a permit violation for 31 years. Bill’s passion and life’s work flow through Texas and has positively impacted the lives of millions of Texans. WEAT has established a memorial endowment in Bill’s honor to benefit operations staff including mechanics and electrical and instrumentation technicians. Bill, a mentor, leader, pioneer, and friend will be dearly missed.
WEAT Scholarship Fund Endowment
The WEAT Endowment was created so that all WEAT members and dependents have access to financial assistance as they seek to grow their careers and skills. WEAT believes that not only that what you do matters, but YOU matter too!
Walter Chiang Memorial Fund Endowment
The Walter Chiang Memorial Scholarship Endowment memorializes Wen-Jo “Walter” Chiang, an internationally known leader in environmental and civil engineering. Walter was the founder of the engineering firm CP&Y, which merged with STV after Walter’s passing. Walter had a passion for teaching and mentoring others, and he inspired countless individuals throughout his distinguished career. This endowment is a legacy to Walter’s emphasis on shaping careers and nurturing young minds. Preference for scholarship award is given to one or more applicants who exemplify technical excellence, an interest or experience in research and development, study in a field that directly or indirectly ties to the water profession, diversity, and who have impacted their communities through outreach, service, or giving back.
Brad Castleberry Memorial Fund Endowment
The Brad Castleberry Memorial Fund Endowment is offered in memory of Brad Castleberry, an engineer and lawyer who impacted the water industry in both of his careers. Brad graduated from the University of Texas with Highest Honors in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He received his Professional Engineering license and practiced engineering, assisting clients in the planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, and other municipal projects, until starting law school in 1999. While in law school, he served as the Managing Editor for the Texas Environmental Law Journal. He received his law degree from the University of Texas Dedman School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2002. He practiced law in the water practice group of Lloyd Gosselink, Rochelle and Townsend, P.C., worked as an adjunct professor of water law at the Texas Tech University School of Law, and served as president of the Water Environment Association of Texas. Brad had a genuine love of the water and wastewater industry that showed in all his work, including his mentoring of others and his care of his clients and the industry.