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For Robert Tonnsen ’00, earning a degree in Geology with a minor in Economics at Whitman College emplaced the bedrock for his career as a geologist, petroleum engineer and entrepreneur. His time at Whitman was the keystone in who he has become. Now, he wants to give other students similar opportunities by establishing two scholarship endowments as part of the Upward Together campaign. 

While a student at Whitman, Tonnsen formed strong bonds with his Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers, pushed his limits as a member of the and enjoyed many adventures through the Outdoor Program. After graduation, he earned a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering at Colorado School of Mines in 2006 and an MBA in Finance from the University of Colorado Denver in 2014. He then, coincidentally, ended up in a similar industry to his father—a geologist/lawyer with a 50-year career in the oil and gas industry—co-founding his own venture in exploration and production, .

Tonnsen continues his family’s legacy in geology with the Mica and Olivine Tonnsen Honorary Geology Scholarship Endowment, named for his two daughters. The endowment will provide scholarship support for women majoring in physical sciences including Geology, Physics and Chemistry. In addition, since a primary driver in choosing Whitman were scholarships that helped make his education affordable, the Robert R. Tonnsen Merit Scholarship Endowment is intended to help attract high-achieving students to receive their own top-notch Whitman education.

Now retired and scheming for his next endeavor, Tonnsen enjoys skiing, traveling and spending time with his daughters. He is also looking forward to reconnecting with his classmates and friends while visiting campus in September for his 25th Reunion.