WLIA Raises $100,000 for Education

Just 5 years ago the WLIA Foundation introduced our endowment with the goal of providing students with scholarship and educational opportunities in the land information and geospatial industry for years to come.  We started with no money, but we had a great community of friends and colleagues that have been coming together each year to support this cause.

At the 2025 WLIA Annual Conference we realized our first major goal, raising $100,000 dollars for the endowment.  That is enough for approximately $4000.00 in scholarships to be given away each and every year moving forward!  It has taken many hands to get to where we are.  Volunteers have raised money by selling 50/50 raffle tickets, others help coordinate WLIA’s famous silent auction. Ayres, Seiler, and Xcel Energy gave corporate donations again this past year.  Over 400 individual donations have come in ranging from $20.00 to $2000.00!!  These donors have included staff from surveyor offices, consultants, municipalities, counties, state offices, non-profits, tribes, and even individuals who just believe in our cause.

Education never seems to get cheaper but our need for new professionals to support services in NG911, utilities, engineering projects, conservation, locational services, and so much more has never been greater.  With the help of our friends and members we will continue to grow our endowment to support and expand opportunities for new professionals entering the field.

Please continue supporting this cause and donate directly to the endowment.

Your donations of time and money ensure that WLIA will be able to support deserving students to grow our profession into the future.  The Foundation and all past and future scholarship winners thank you.

Adam Derringer

Foundation Fund Advisor, Foundation Director-at-Large