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Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics California State University, Sacramento

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Giving Opportunities for Physics & Astronomy

Physics & Astronomy Department Annual Fund

three men from the Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department's annual fund supports undergraduate research, scholarships, lab upgrades, and public outreach efforts in physics & astronomy.

Planetarium Fund

Image of people sitting inside the planetariumThis fund supports the Sac State Planetarium’s educational shows and outreach. Donations keep admission low, fund K-12 field trips, and maintain immersive astronomy programming.

M. Hossein Partovi Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (P-SURE) Pro

This fund pays physics majors to conduct summer research under faculty mentorship and honors Dr. Partovi’s legacy and promotes undergraduate scientific inquiry.

More information on endowments and funds can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Dr. Frances Wrightson Research Fund (W-SURE)

This fund provides paid summer research opportunities for physics students, honoring the beloved educator Dr. Wrightson’s legacy of hands-on mentorship.

More information on endowments and funds can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Student/Faculty Collaboration Support in Physics Fund

people collaborating on Physics researchThis fund supports collaborative research projects between physics students and faculty, providing materials, stipends, and covering travel expenses associated with undergraduate research.

Suzy Fenton Physics Scholarship

Decorative ImageThis scholarship was created by Suzy and Wayne Fenton. Suzy was a long-time lecturer in the Department. This scholarship recognizes and rewards promising performance by a student pursuing a degree in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. An eligible student shall have completed the Physics 11 series and qualified for the Dean's Honor List in the semester prior to the application.

More information on endowments and funds can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions.

James J. Klavetter Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to help students pursuing Physics and Astronomy financially in memory of Professor James Klavetter, who passed away on February 24, 1997. He was an Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Sacramento State, remembered as a passionate scientist, dedicated teacher, and generous mentor. His research focused on planetary science, including the study of Saturn’s satellites and comet composition, with work at institutions such as MIT and the University of Maryland. At Sacramento State, he was deeply engaged with students in both the classroom and research settings, and he shared his enthusiasm for astronomy with the broader community. Known for his curiosity, warmth, and love of nature, Klavetter left a lasting impact on his students, colleagues, and all who knew him.

More information on endowments and funds can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions.