Colorado State University

Sam Clowney was a long-time leader in the natural gas pipeline industry who helped to create a collective vision that supported the rapid development and implementation of new technology solutions that could meaningfully reduce the environmental impact from the natural gas industry. Sam played a huge role in nurturing the Engines and Energy Conversion Lab (EECL) in its earliest years, always pushing us to operate at the speed and scale required to work effectively with industry. Sam was also a champion for our students, powerfully articulating the role that our students would play in helping to bring an innovation world-view to the industry. That vision has been realized. A contemporary example is that students who have worked at the EECL are now helping to create the future where clean energy fuels such, as hydrogen, will be moved through the same pipeline system that previously only transported gas.

To honor Sam’s legacy, we have established the Sam L. Clowney Memorial for Student Research that provides financial support to students working at Powerhouse – particularly those like Sam who were first generation students or came from challenging financial circumstances; Sam was also a supporter of increasing the diversity of the energy industry. In the closing days of our 30th year, we are asking those who have benefited from – or just appreciate the lab’s work – to help support the Sam Clowney Memorial Fund. This scholarship is focused on supporting students to help them be successful in the face of financial adversity. Funds can be used as needed by the applicant.