Central Wyoming Section of SME donates $100,000 for Wolff Scholarship

A new $100,000 donation from the Central Wyoming Section of SME establishes the Chuck and Helen Wolff Memorial Scholarship at Casper College, designed to support Wyoming residents pursuing degrees in mining-related fields beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.(Casper College/Adobe Stock image)

The Central Wyoming Section of SME has donated $100,000 to establish the Chuck and Helen Wolff Memorial Scholarship.

One student will be awarded $3,600, split between the fall and spring semesters, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in 10 credit hours. Preference will be given to degree-seeking applicants majoring in geology, geography, engineering, or physical sciences associated with mining-related fields. The recipient must be a Wyoming resident and be interested in working in the mining and/or mineral extraction industry in the state.

“This scholarship is being established to encourage the next generation of Wyoming students to pursue careers in Wyoming,” said Wayne Heili, spokesman for the Central Wyoming Section of SME — Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.

According to notes provided by Helen Wolff in 2019, Charles E. “Chuck” Wolff worked as a superintendent at the Shirley Basin mine for Getty Oil in 1960. He later worked for United Nuclear — Silver King in the Powder River Basin and later for TVA, overseeing the Box Creek Mine, where he retired upon closure of the Casper office in 1994. Chuck was a past chairman of the (Central) Wyoming Section (of SME) and a long-time scholarship committee chair.

Helen Marie Facinelli Wolff married Chuck in 1964, and they remained married for 30 years until Chuck’s death. After their marriage, the couple moved to Casper, and Helen taught home economics at East Junior High School for 28 years.

To apply for this and other Casper College scholarships, visit the Casper College Foundation and Alumni Association Scholarship page.

At a Glance:

• Event Focus: Donation of $100,000 by the Central Wyoming Section of SME to establish the Chuck and Helen Wolff Memorial Scholarship.
• Key Participants: Central Wyoming Section of SME, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Wayne Heili, spokesman, and Casper College.
• Logistics: Announced Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Casper College; funding awards begin with the 2027-2028 school year.