March 12, 2009

Alumna Malinda Pennoyer Chouinard, founder of Patagonia outdoor clothing and gear with her husband, Yvon, have established a $100,000 Patagonia Scholars Program at California State University, Fresno to support students interested in studying environmental sciences.

Malinda Chouinard received the California State University’s honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2007. At Fresno State, she earned a bachelor’s degree in art in 1969 and a secondary teaching credential in 1970. She married in 1970 and the Chouinards founded Patagonia, which revolutionized mountain climbing clothing by making garments with synthetic pile fabric that insulates without absorbing moisture. Now, these fabrics are made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Incoming freshmen at Fresno State who intend to major in science and mathematics, particularly environmental sciences, are invited to apply to become Patagonia Scholars. The program covers the costs of in-state fees, housing, meal plan and books for an academic year. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, for a total of no more than four years per recipient.

Students can demonstrate their interest in environmental sciences through high school coursework, science fairs, community service or ecological activism. Preference will be given to applicants who have a demonstrated an interest in African American or Native American cultures through any past efforts or activities or community service promoting or benefiting these cultures.

The Fresno State Scholarship Office may select up to two qualified applicants to become Patagonia Scholars. Applicants must submit an essay by April 1, 2009, not exceeding two pages, describing their interest in environmental science and their interest in or connection to Native American or African American communities.

For more details on applying, contact: Roxanne Hinds, development director for the College of Science and Mathematics at 559.278.8597 or rhinds@csufresno.edu