Lonquists establish scholarship

Margaret S. and Richard R. “Dick” Lonquist ’87 have established the Margaret and Dick Lonquist ’87 Petroleum Ventures Certificate Scholarship Endowment to provide one or more certificate scholarships to full-time students in good standing pursuing an undergraduate degree in petroleum engineering and a certificate from the Petroleum Ventures Program (PVP) from Texas A&M University.

The PVP certificate sets Aggies apart by giving them unparalleled exposure to business concepts, entrepreneurship, industry leaders and case-based learning opportunities. The program is a collaboration between the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering and the Mays Business School Department of Finance. This interdisciplinary endeavor prepares students for expanded technical roles within the industry. The certificate is available to students pursuing degrees in either petroleum engineering or finance.

“We saw it as an opportunity to equip both engineering and business students with the necessary skills to work in the industry,” Richard Lonquist said. “Whether it’s engineering students working on the business side, or business students working on the petroleum side, this program provides them with the starter kit to be successful.”

Lonquist, who serves on the petroleum advisory board, commented on the program's success referencing a nearly 100 percent job placement for graduates and current students in summer internships. 

“This could very well be the first time a business school and engineering school have worked together in such a manner,” Lonquist said. “It’s a step forward in fostering collaborative learning on college campuses.”