GWPNC Mike Stanforth Memorial Scholarship - Groundwater Professionals of North Carolina

Founded in 2022 to honor late member and former president of GWPNC Mike Stanforth, the GWPNC Mike Stanforth Memorial Scholarship aims to honor Mike’s memory while supporting the development of the next generation of groundwater industry rock stars.

Each year, GWPNC will provide five (5) $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate students enrolled at a North Carolina college or university and studying fields related to the groundwater industry including, but not limited to: civil or environmental engineering, geology and environmental science.

Mike Stanforth’s career was highlighted by hard work, accomplishment, leadership, mentoring and civility. Mike attended The Ohio State University, graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering. Mike went on to earn a MS in Environmental Engineering from Clemson University before beginning his career in Cleveland, Ohio. Following a stint in Atlanta, Georgia, Mike eventually landed in Gastonia, North Carolina where he open Excel Environmental Associates in 1997.

As an Environmental Engineer, Mike held the distinction of Diplomate of Environmental Engineering and served his clients with unparalleled dedication which he also brought to multiple professional organizations including the North Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals (NCAEP), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Hawaii Association of Environmental Professionals (HAEP), International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE), and the Gaston County Quality of Natural Resources Committee. Mike was President of the Groundwater Professionals of North Carolina and provided valuable expertise to professional networks throughout the southeast in the areas of groundwater remediation, hydrogeology, environmental consulting, and bioremediation.

Though he left the Earth too soon, he will always be remembered by his work ethic, dedication to the environment and always putting service over self. Mike would be more than honored that this scholarship was dedicated to his work and name.