GCS Research of Missoula Funds New University of Montana Scholarship

A Missoula-based information technology company is investing in student achievement in computer science at The University of Montana.

Alex Philp, president of GCS Research http://www.gcs-research.com/, recently announced the company will provide a $10,000 scholarship as part of the UM Foundation’s Missoula Business Drive. Philp earned a doctorate in philosophy at UM.

"We wanted to do something meaningful to continue and expand the outstanding relationship we have with the Department of Computer Science at UM," Philp said. "In order to create high-paying jobs and employ University of Montana graduates, we need to do everything we can to support scholarships, innovation and dedication to excellence at the University."

GCS Research is an internationally recognized leader in geospatial information technology. The company, started in 2001 in Philp’s basement, evolved out of a UM research and development project funded by NASA. The company has grown to 23 employees and includes clients such as Missoula County, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Energy-Idaho National Laboratory, Northrop Grumman and Plum Creek Timber Co.

"This generous gift and personal investment in our students shows a true commitment from GCS to UM and the computer science department," said Joel Henry, associate dean for information technology at the UM College of Arts and Sciences. "Even more importantly, the investment of dollars and volunteer hours demonstrate a commitment to the long-term high-tech development of Montana."

The UM Missoula Foundation Business Drive is an annual fundraising campaign designed to strengthen the bond between the business community and the University. Each fall more than 30 Missoula community leaders call on local businesses to champion support of UM.

GCS Research joins a growing donor roll of nearly 150 businesses that have chosen to support this year’s campaign. The goal is to raise $180,000 to support University programs and UM’s Excellence Fund. The campaign runs through the end of the year.

For more information on giving to the University through the UM Foundation Missoula Business Drive, call Lauren Clark, director of annual giving-external campaigns, at 406-243-2456 or e-mail [email protected] .

http://news.umt.edu/2010/12/122010fdtn.aspx