From Fund to Field: The Richard C. Stenstrom Trust Expands Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Richard C. Stenstrom Trust is making an impact on the lives of Beloit College geology students, providing funding for valuable landscape studies. Dr. Stenstrom established a trust prior to his passing that now supports something he cared deeply about.

Under the terms of the trust agreement, funds are deposited into a dedicated account managed by the Department of Geology “to fund field trips for Beloit College students.” In June 2025 the trust grew substantially, bringing the funds to a level that could immediately support multiple student experiences.

The trust has helped cover expenses for a range of student field trips, including major travel opportunities to Puerto Rico and the Grand Canyon along with important regional trips such as Black River Falls, Wisconsin. For many students, these trips weren’t simply academic, they were transformative.

In Puerto Rico, students studied coastal erosion, hurricane damage, coral bleaching, and the visible effects of climate change on island communities. For some, it was their first time traveling that far and their first chance to witness geology, climate, and human systems intersect in real time.

Looking ahead, additional regional and distant field trips are already being planned, ensuring the Richard C. Stenstrom Trust continues to translate into hands-on learning, deeper understanding of geology, and unforgettable student growth.

If you’d like to make a difference in a student’s life like Richard did, please contact us.

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