CMS has been proud to offer the Freeman Rowe Educational Scholarship since 2008. Eligibility for the scholarship is limited to Oregon college students (community college or university undergraduate, or graduate) who are engaging in mycology research. The scholarship(s) are awarded for research that forwards the understanding of the biology and ecology of fungi or that demonstrates the practical uses of fungi.

The successful candidate will receive up to $1,000 and will be expected to present the results of the research at a CMS general meeting. For more information, please e-mail president@cascademyco.org.

 Applications may be submitted at any time through our online application form.

About Freeman Rowe

Retired mycology instructor Freeman taught biology from 1968 until 1998 at Lane Community College (LCC). He is considered the Father of the Cascade Mycological Society (CMS). For decades, Freeman inspired and trained budding mycophiles in Lane County, Oregon. His mycological legacy began in 1968 as a biology instructor (botany and marine biology) at LCC, and then began teaching classes on mushrooms. This later became a lecture and field course taught every fall from 1981 until 1998.

Many of his former students still live in the area creating a thriving mushroom community in Eugene. In 1998 some of his former students got together and formed CMS. One of the most notable events is the nationally recognized Mushroom Festival at Mount Pisgah Arboretum every October. Freeman still helps with collection and identification for the mushroom display.

He said, “It has become such a huge event that it feels like my kid has grown up.” Freeman is now in his 80s.

Cascade Mycological Society (CMS) raises money each year to reward 1-2 undergraduate or graduate students that are studying/researching and expanding the knowledge of mycology. In honor of Freeman Rowe we have named this scholarship The Freeman Rowe Educational Scholarship.