The mission of the funder, named in honor of the late John E. Sanders, is to support student research in the fields of coastal or environmental geology. Sanders, a sedimentologist and environmentalist, believed in the application of geologic principles to address environmental problems. His legacy continues through this fund aimed at advancing understanding in these critical areas of geology.
The Gerald M. Friedman Fund provides grants specifically designed for graduate students engaged in sedimentary geology. These grants offer financial support for a range of academic activities, including research projects, travel to professional meetings, and participation in field trips. By offering this support, the fund aims to facilitate the professional development of graduate students in sedimentary geology, enabling them to contribute to the field in meaningful ways, much like Professor Friedman did throughout his illustrious career.