The Randy Tufts Memorial Award was established by Dr. Ericha Scott, the widow of Randy Tufts, in partnership with the Friends of Kartchner Caverns State Park non-profit 501(c)(3) support organization, to recognize outstanding Prescott College graduate students in the field of Geosciences whose academic and personal interests include exploration, conservation, preservation and the protection of the natural environment. The goal of this award is to encourage and support students who are aligned with the life and mission of Dr. Randy Tufts, co-discoverer of Kartchner Caverns.

Any Prescott College student enrolled in the Master of Arts Program with a study emphasis in the broad field of Geosciences may apply for the award. An application will consist of two letters of recommendation addressing the student’s commitment to the study of Geosciences, graduate transcripts, and a short personal essay describing the applicant’s academic and personal commitments as they relate to the intention of the award. Special consideration will be given to an applicant who demonstrates a background of volunteerism.

Applications will be evaluated by a committee whose members shall include Dr. Ericha Scott, the Prescott College Financial Aid Committee, and a representative of the Friends of Kartchner Caverns Advisory Board.

One award will be made annually in the Spring of each year. The amount of the award will be based on the interest earned on the corpus of the endowed gift, in accord with Prescott College practices.

Prescott College is an independent, non-sectarian, liberal arts college located in Prescott, Arizona. The College was founded in 1966 as a four-year residential college offering an undergraduate degree in the liberal arts and sciences. This residential program enrolls an average of 500 students who live in Prescott and attend classes on campus and in the many field courses that comprise the curriculum. In 1978, the College added a second, community-based undergraduate degree completion program (Adult Degree Program) that enables students to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree and/or earn teacher certification without interrupting their careers. In 1992, Prescott College added a limited-residency, community-based Master of Arts Program. The Adult Degree Program and the Master of Arts Program together enroll a combined average of 500 students.

The Friends of Kartchner Caverns State Park, a non-profit 501(c)(3) support organization, was formed in 1998 to partner with Arizona State Parks to promote the continued preservation, enhancement and worldwide awareness of Kartchner Caverns State Park. Randy Tufts was a charter honorary member of the Friends’ Board of Directors. He remained an active and passionate board member until his death. The Friends of Kartchner Caverns have dedicated a number of educational programs to Randy's memory. The Randy Tufts Memorial Award at Prescott College is a fitting tribute to a man who committed his life to education, conservation, and preservation of our world and beyond.