NDSU geology major Austin Karsky has received the 2020-2021 Al Golden Scholarship from the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation. The senior from Dickinson, North Dakota, received a $2,000 award. 

Karsky is a graduate of Trinity High School in Dickinson, North Dakota, and has interned for KLJ in the Bakken area for the past four summers. He is set to graduate in spring 2021 and plans to return to western North Dakota to pursue a career in the oilfield as a field geologist or as an environmental engineer.

The scholarship is one of nine awarded annually by the foundation. 

“The Al Golden Scholarship is a perfect example of how industry can directly support student success at North Dakota institutions,” said Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat, professor of geosciences. “We all congratulate Austin on being awarded this scholarship.”

The scholarship fund is named after North Dakota oil pioneer and the first member of the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Hall of Fame, Al Golden. It was established in 2008 to support students who are pursuing post-secondary education in geology, engineering, processing plant technology, science, technical skills or other careers related to the oil and gas industry. 

Al Golden Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, work or internship experience in the oil and natural gas industry, or a demonstrated commitment to a qualified area of study.

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