Charles and Wanda Rich Scholarship

Scholarship for Study Abroad
Bowling Green State University
Center for International Programs

Download The Application (PDF) 

After receiving his bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield , Ohio and serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II, Charles Rich entered Harvard University to pursue a Ph.D. in geology. In the summer of 1949, he attended the University of Geneva and did field research in the Swiss Alps. In 1951, he received a Fulbright grant to attend Victoria University in Wellington , New Zealand . In addition to taking courses and doing field research which became the subject of his dissertation at Harvard, he was also a lecturer and laboratory demonstrator at Victoria University . He joined the Geology Department at Bowling Green State University in 1958. He returned to New Zealand in 1962 and again lectured at Victoria University prior to undertaking field research in the Antarctic sponsored by the National Science Foundation. He retired from BGSU in 1990 with the rank of Professor Emeritus of Geology.

Wanda Rich received her bachelor's degree from East Central University in Ada , Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University for her M.A. in English. There, among the large community of international students, she formed friendships, one of which resulted in the opportunity to teach English language and literature at the former Beirut College for Women in Beirut , Lebanon from 1960 to 1962. She did additional graduate work at BGSU and taught in the English Department of the University of Rhode Island before marrying Charles Rich in 1966.

Charles and Wanda encouraged their two children to pursue education abroad. Their son Geoffrey, employed in the research and development department of First Solar, an alternative energy company, participated in a geology study program in New Zealand . Their daughter Charlotte, on the faculty of the English Department of Eastern Kentucky University , spent an undergraduate semester at the University of East Anglia in Norwich , England .

Charles and Wanda believe deeply in the value of living and learning abroad. The opportunities they each had to learn, teach and travel outside of the United States brought them some of the most meaningful and enriching experiences of their lives. This scholarship is an expression of their gratitude for such opportunities and of their desire to assist future generation of students to enhance their own educational experiences.

Criteria for Applicants

Selection Process

The top three candidates will be interviewed by the Director of the Center for International Programs and a recommendation will be made to the Scholarship Committee.

Scholarship Administrator Awards will be announced in April.

One award will be deposited into the recipient's bursar account after July 1.

Scholarship Administrator

Director of the Center of International Programs

Completed applications must be received by the BGSU Education Abroad Office by March 1st. The Charles and Wanda Rich Scholarship for Study Abroad is not renewable and late applications will not be accepted.

Mail, fax, scan/email, or deliver all applications to: