EMS alumnus and retired pathologist, Dr. Richard C. Nau has committed $1.35 million to establish the Richard C. Nau Endowment for the Alliance for Earth Sciences, Engineering, and Development in Africa (AESEDA) in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Once active, the endowment will be used to support programs designed to benefit individuals in underdeveloped areas of Africa, promote better utilization of the Earth's resources, and encourage student involvement in these objectives.
This commitment brings Nau's overall philanthropic commitments to the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences to more than $1.8 million. In 1999, he established the John Lesser and Richard Nau Scholarship Fund and in 2006 he established the Richard C. Nau Scholarship. Both endowments support undergraduate students in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Nau earned an undergraduate degree in Geochemistry from Penn State in 1962. While a student, he received the L.P. Teas Scholarship in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Following graduation from Penn State, he earned a medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and completed distinguished service in the U.S. Army, which included three years as Director of the U.S. Army School of Cytotechnology at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Settling in Longview, Washington, he enjoyed a 24 year career in practice, retiring in 2003. A disciplined investor, Nau says he has derived great satisfaction from developing an independent investment approach that emphasized ownership in growing companies. Richard currently divides his time between Longview and Hood Canal, Washington. Dr. Nau has two children, Mark and Jennifer.
"The College of EMS is truly fortunate to be on the receiving end of Richard's generosity and this commitment represents a significant milestone for AESEDA," says Robert Crane, Interim Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. "We are delighted that he has demonstrated the foresight to set in motion plans for this endowment to support the novel programs administered by the Alliance. As Penn State strives to internationalize its activities, we are particularly gratified that Richard's philanthropy will support educational and research initiatives that focus specifically on issues facing Africa."
Founded in 2003, AESEDA is a multidisciplinary academic alliance housed in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences which supports scientific efforts that build human and academic capital in Africa. AESEDA implements innovative educational programs to promote the integration of physical sciences, engineering, and social sciences to address the developmental challenges facing Africa.
