College of Natural Sciences

Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship

The Lieutenant Robert Merton Rawlins Merit Award is a prestigious award given to students.

One of the largest and most prestigious at Chico State—celebrates scholarship, extracurricular activities, and outstanding academic and professional accomplishments. Awards are also based on evidence of a student’s sincere intent to complete their education, to increase their personal knowledge, and to achieve success in every aspect of life.

The Rawlins merit scholarships are named in honor of Lt. Robert Merton Rawlins, who died piloting a B-29 bomber over Tokyo Bay during World War II. Wishing to leave a legacy in the name of her son, Fern Rawlins established the Lt. Robert Merton Rawlins Merit Award endowment in 1981.

Since the program’s inception, more than $1 million in scholarships has been awarded to more than 800 deserving CSU, Chico students.

2022-2023: Kyle Mason

Earth and Environmental Sciences student, Kyle Mason, was awarded the 2022-2023 Lt. Rawlins Merit Scholarship this year. Kyle Mason was nominated by John Knowles and Sandrine Matiasek.

Student Kyle Mason Portrait

Jason Halley / University Photographer

Article about Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipient: Kyle Mason

Previous Rawlins Merit Scholarship Recipients