John Nicholson Memorial Scholarship
A message from Cathy Nicholson Key, John's Daughter:
Losing my father in November has left a void in our family that will never be filled. He is greatly missed by his family, including his four grandchildren of whom he was so proud. My Dad was the quiet rock for our family; he always went with the flow and supported us no matter what. He knew when we needed extra love and support and was there with a shoulder to lean on (or a corny dad joke) at any time without being asked. My Dad taught us by example what it was to be a good person, love without judgment, and live a life in service. He was an active member of his church and dedicated so much of his time, making sure the church and the services ran smoothly. When I became an adult, I quickly realized how much my Dad enjoyed his career as a soil scientist. I may not have understood what he did, but I knew he loved it and even found myself feeling jealous about the passion he had for his chosen career. I cannot think of a better way to honor his memory than by supporting a student who will be just as passionate about soils. My hope for this student is that he/she will make the same kind of impact as my father did for the profession and community.
A message from Greg Hammer, John's longtime co-worker:
This scholarship is intended to honor John Nicholson’s passion for soil and environmental science. John was an extraordinary soil scientist that made his mark in so many ways. He had a depth and understanding to the profession that only 40 plus years of experience can bring, and he knew more about the soils of the piedmont than any other person I’ve ever met. John always displayed passion, energy, and drive for the work of soil science, willing to teach and share what he knew to anyone who would listen, and even sometimes when we weren’t listening. But, what really made John such an incredible soil scientist wasn’t just his vast knowledge and irreplaceable experience, it was who he was as a man. John was a man full of joy, grace, and a zest for life. He displayed incredible patience and kindness to all, constantly adding his smile and laughter to every situation. John was one of those rare people in my life who was a true mentor and a genuine friend. I miss him. But, a friend like John is never truly gone because his spirit lives on in those who he taught, impacted, and changed.
Where will the donations go?
The donations for this scholarship will be sent to the Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists (VAPSS) and they will distribute the scholarship funds. Applications for the scholarship will be available on the VAPSS website at http://www.vapss.org and open to students currently enrolled in a college program in Virginia focused on soil science, environmental science or natural resources. The recipient(s) of the scholarship will be selected by John's family. Number of recipients depends upon how much money is raised. Full scholarship details can be found on the application. VAPSS has generously agreed to match the first $500 donated.
