Mary Fran Myers Scholarship

The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship recognizes outstanding individuals who share Myers' commitment to disaster research and practice and have the potential to make a lasting contribution to reducing disaster vulnerability.

At least one scholarship recipient each year will receive financial support allowing them to attend the Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop. Scholarships can cover part or all of transportation, meals, and Workshop registration costs.

Recipients are recognized at the Workshop and may be asked to serve as panelists, where they can highlight their research or practical experiences with hazards and disasters.

As the longtime co-director of the Natural Hazards Center, Myers recognized that many of the people and organizations that could benefit from and contribute to the workshop—including local practitioners, students, and international professionals—were among those least likely to afford it. The scholarship was established in 2003 to fulfill Myers’ request that qualified and talented individuals receive support to attend, ensuring that representatives of all ages, professions, and communities be represented at the workshop.

Myers served as co-director of the Natural Hazards Center for 16 years until her death in 2004. Reducing disaster loss was her life’s work.

During her tenure, she helped to bring about a fundamental changes in hazards perspectives and instituted farsighted and sustainable ways of dealing with extreme environmental events. In addition, she provided leadership, guidance, grace, and laughter and established a standard of excellence admired and emulated by her colleagues. She was an innovator, a mentor, and a creative spirit who touched many lives. Her legacy has had a lasting impact on the global hazards community.


Eligibility and Application

The eligibility period for this year's scholarship has closed. Applicants from North America and the Caribbean will be eligible for the scholarship in 2016.


Special Thanks

The Natural Hazards Center staff and the family of Mary Fran Myers would like to thank the numerous individuals who have contributed to the scholarship fund. Due to their generosity, scholarships will be awarded in Mary Fran's name for many years.

The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship was made possible by generous contributions from numerous individual donors as well as support from the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the Extension Disaster Education Network, the Public Entity Risk Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Red River, North Dakota, High School Classroom Teachers Association, and the authors and editors of the Social Vulnerability to Disasters textbook.


Request for Contributions - Mary Fran Myers Scholarship Fund

The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship will be awarded annually, and each year scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop. A gift account has been established with the University of Colorado Foundation, which will administer the scholarship funds. Checks should be written to the University of Colorado Foundation and sent to:

Mary Fran Myers Scholarship
Natural Hazards Center
University of Colorado
482 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0482

For questions regarding the scholarship, e-mail Lori Peek.