Michael Pate Optical Sciences Endowed Memorial Scholarship

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The Michael Pate Optical Sciences Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established by the MPOSMS Foundation to honor the memory of Michael Pate, MS 2001, UA College of Optical Sciences. Michael lost his battle with cancer in 2010 and wished for his legacy in the field of optics to continue posthumously in the form of an annual scholarship.

Michael was an optical engineer, inventor, individual patent and co-patent holder who was passionate about teaching and life-long learning, and was a self-proclaimed “optics phreak.” He had a very successful career in optics at national and international technology companies before starting his own consulting company, Optical Short Course International. The company included an educational component to compliment the consulting side of his business, where he taught at companies all over the world.

When he was not reading, learning or playing with his optics “toys,” Michael enjoyed the beauty of the great outdoors. For more insights to Michael and this scholarship, please visit the MPOSMS Foundation website.

Eligibility: 

Awards are made to either an Undergraduate (Junior or Senior level only) or Graduate students enrolled at the University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences. Recipient must have a 3.5 GPA or better. Preference given to those involved in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership defined by examples including, but not limited to: community or university service; presenting his/her work to a professional audience; the student’s work receiving recognition by a professional society or academic enterprise; and/or maintaining family/parent responsibilities while pursuing a degree.