BU Alumnus Richard C. White Pledges $40,000 to Geoscience Research
Posted on July 22, 2026
Alumnus Richard C. White ’78 has pledged $40,000 to the Geoscience Student-Faculty Research Fund at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, a gift that reflects his decades-long connection to the university and his commitment to expanding hands-on learning opportunities for future geoscientists.
From his involvement in athletics to his support of the sciences post-graduation, Richard White has been active in the Bloomsburg community for decades, and his recent gift represents his ongoing commitment to Huskies of the past, present, and future.
The Richard C. White ’78 Geoscience Student-Faculty Research Fund aims to provide resources to students who are studying the natural world, giving them more opportunities and hands-on experience than other universities.
As a matter of fact, Richard White’s Research Fund was directly responsible for a geoscience research project presented at Bloomsburg’s Annual College of Health, Science, and Technology (CoST) Research Day.
Geoscience student Michael Poon presented research investigating the Late Devonian Mass Extinction Event (~372 Million Years Ago) was triggered by volcanic eruptions. Michael tested his hypothesis by sampling marine shale from New York State in search of mercury and other trace metals.
Included in his presentation is a special thanks to faculty and alumni support, with a specific mention of Richard White’s fund. This presentation, and the roughly 70 attendees at the CoHST Conference are direct evidence of how the university benefits from alumni engagement.
Richard began working when he was 13, picking vegetables on a farm in Bucks County, just north of Philadelphia.
In 1978, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Earth Science, and during his time at Bloom, was an active member of many extracurriculars and clubs. Apart from serving two terms as president of Sigma Iota Omega (SIO), he played baseball and was a founding member of Bloomsburg’s Ice Hockey team.
“Bloomsburg was a huge part of my life,” Richard stated. “My time in Bloom was very formative – it prepared me well for my career.”
Since graduation, he has stayed in touch with many of his peers, including his roommate, Steve Black, who was also a founder of the BU Hockey Club and the best man in his wedding, as well many of his fraternity brothers whom he reconnects with every May.
Richard specifically named Dr. Robert Warren and Dr. Jack Mulka as important mentor figures, advising the SIO fraternity and teaching him the importance of leadership and difficult decision-making.
These life skills coupled with his education landed Richard a job with Western Geophysical where he spent 20 years, eventually becoming the company president. Throughout his time with Western Geophysical, Richard visited 87 countries and traveled across the United States, eventually settling in Houston.
“I learned about making decisions, solving problems, living with your decisions, and learning not to look back,” he said regarding the important lessons he carried through his career. “Sometimes, it doesn’t matter what you decide -- the crew is stopped until a decision is made.”
When asked about the direct impact of his donation, Richard pointed out travel expenses, conventions, and conferences, that, when covered, allow students and faculty to network with the wider Geoscience community.
“I love getting letters from students who are advancing their studies, their careers…” Richard said. “I have a real soft spot in my heart for trying to help the younger people get ahead.”
“I do that in my church too,” Richard added, referencing his over 25 years working in Youth Ministry and Community Outreach Services.
“Richard’s generosity is creating opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise,” said Jerome Dvorak, executive director of the Bloomsburg University Foundation. “By investing in research experiences and professional development, he’s helping students gain the knowledge, confidence, and connections they need to succeed while ensuring the geosciences remain a strong and vibrant part of the Bloomsburg experience.”
To see how you can make your own contribution, or to read more about how Bloomsburg Alumni are paying it forward, visit https://giving.bloomu.edu.