Support Page Content
Giving Opportunities for Physics & Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy Department Annual Fund
The Department's annual fund supports undergraduate research, scholarships, lab upgrades, and public outreach efforts in physics & astronomy.
Planetarium Fund
This 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
This 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
Suzy Fenton and her husband, Wayne, created this scholarship in 2008 to recognize and reward promising performance by a physics major who is pursuing a degree in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. An eligible student must have completed the Physics 11 series and qualified for the Dean's Honor List in the semester prior to the application.
Suzy had a unique background, having been recruited into the Curtis Wright Women’s Engineering Program at Penn State University in 1942. Upon completion of this program, Suzy worked at Curtis Wright in Buffalo, NY. In 1944, Suzy enlisted as a Navy WAVE, serving 3 years during WWII as a Link Trainer operator training Navy pilots in instrument flying, achieving the rank of Petty Officer, First Class. After active duty, she received her civilian pilot’s license. Suzy returned to Penn State University to continue her education and earned her B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
Suzy was a long-time lecturer in our Department and, after her retirement, continued to come to campus for several years to volunteer her time in the tutoring center. Suzy passed away in 2013, but she was very pleased to have been able to be with us for the first several presentations of this award.
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.