Supporting the Future of Earth Science

Generous Gift Promotes Stewardship of the Planet

Ed and Karen Duncan

Ed Duncan, B.S. ’79, M.A. ’87, and his wife, Karen, support the Jackson School of Geosciences through their estate plans.

Geologist and entrepreneur Ed Duncan, B.S. ’79, M.A. ’87, has enjoyed years of success — until recently. “I failed miserably at retirement,” he said with a chuckle. “I love what I’m doing too much.”

Today, Ed and his wife, Karen, who is also involved in the family business, focus their attention far north. Their company is exploring opportunities for oil and gas on Alaska's North Slope. The couple credit their life of geological adventure to Ed’s education from The University of Texas at Austin and the Jackson School of Geosciences. And to help ensure a strong future, Ed and Karen established a gift to the Jackson School in their estate plans.

“The professors I had — Frank Brown, Sharon Mosher, Bill Galloway, Al Scott, Sam Ellison — they were fantastic pioneers,” Ed said. “They were investing in me to help me become the best geologist and the best person I could be.”

A Responsibility to Help

Ed and Karen want the Jackson School to continue to attract world-class professors and top students who will better understand earth science and how to take care of the planet.

“The Earth is being challenged, and Earth scientists have a responsibility to help,” Ed said. “We want those smart kids who will make a difference to become students at the Jackson School.”

Ed and Karen are doing their part to promote STEM education and increase the number of diverse students pursuing STEM careers. They solicited the help of Doug Ratcliff, the Jackson School’s former director of Outreach and International Programs, and launched the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ GeoFORCE Alaska — a program based on the Jackson School’s acclaimed GeoFORCE Texas.

“UT helped us get the program started, and it’s been transformative for many kids on the North Slope,” Karen said. “How can you not love watching these kids love learning about geology?”

You Can Be Transformative, Too

There are many exciting ways to support students, faculty and programs at the Jackson School of Geosciences. Contact the Gift and Estate Planning Team for no-obligation help at 512-475-9632 or giftplan@austin.utexas.edu.