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SES Receives Historic Gift

December 3, 2025

SES Receives Historic Gift

Alumni Change Lives text with buckeye leaf

Ohio State University's School of Earth Sciences Receives $4.7M Endowment from the Estate of Donald E. Jessup

The Ohio State University proudly announces the largest gift ever received by the School of Earth Sciences: a transformative endowment from the estate of Donald E. Jessup, an esteemed alumnus and industry leader. This generous contribution will fund scholarships for future geoscientists, ensuring access to world-class education for generations to come.

Jessup earned both his B.S. (1950) and M.S. (1951) in Geology from Ohio State, where he participated in the 1949 summer field camp. His distinguished career spanned decades with ARCO Oil and Gas Company, where he rose from geologist to Senior Vice President in charge of Exploration. Jessup’s leadership helped shape global energy exploration, with assignments in Colorado, Texas, Australia, and Alaska, and executive roles including Chief Geologist, District Manager, and Vice President.

“Donald Jessup’s extraordinary gift reflects his lifelong commitment to advancing Earth sciences,” said Professor Ian Howat, Director of the School of Earth Sciences. “His legacy will empower students to pursue innovative research and careers that address the world’s most pressing environmental and energy challenges.”

The endowment will provide scholarship support for undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Earth Sciences, reinforcing Ohio State’s mission to foster academic excellence and leadership in geoscience.