Kopp’s story reflects “the true essence of philanthropy and giving back,” says Julia Diggins, interim president of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation.
“Huntsinger Farms’ creativity fueled Ric’s generosity,” Diggins says. “He took an opportunity provided by a wonderful business and turned it into impact that has touched Blugolds for many years. What we don’t know is how those same Blugolds will go out and not only touch their communities but pay it forward to the next generation of students.”
Dr. Kent Syverson, professor of geology and environmental science, calls Kopp “an amazing friend of our geology department who has never forgotten about his roots.”
“It is the most amazing story I’ve heard for the motivation for giving,” Syverson says. “It always brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it. I think some people kind of forget where they come from. Ric Kopp has never forgotten where he has come from, and he has made a major impact on our students.”
The New Mexico field camp during Winterim is required of all geology majors while the Montana camp is a requirement for all general comprehensive geology majors. Syverson says students mature as geologists at field camp as they solve real problems like professional geologists to prepare them for jobs in oil and gas, environmental, regulatory and mining industries.
“Field camp is the most important thing in geologic education,” Kopp says. “You can learn anything you want from a book, but you have to get out in the field and get hands-on experience. My whole career in the oil and gas business was not just sitting in an office making maps; it was out in the field looking at outcrops, looking at rocks, setting wells.”
Kopp used his UW-Eau Claire field camp knowledge throughout his career working for oil and gas companies in states such as Utah, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Michigan and Alaska, as well as in some international areas. He also helped establish successful companies before selling them.
Despite that professional success, Kopp remembers what life was like going to college while working long hours at a vegetable farm to pay his tuition.
“Ric has a giving spirit, and he has never forgotten what it is like to be a poor college student,” Syverson says. “Thanks to his success as a geologist, he is now investing in the next generation of geologists and environmental scientists.”