Dr. David Jenkins with filament (photo provided by JB Neethling)

Call for Donations to WEF’s David Jenkins Operator Scholarship Fund

A message from Gilbert Barela, CWEA's Incoming CWEA President
Members in the News

Dear CWEA Members,

We hope this letter finds you well. Today, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the life and extraordinary contributions of Dr. David Jenkins, a beloved member of our water community. Dr. Jenkins was not only a respected professor and expert in wastewater treatment but also a compassionate volunteer who selflessly assisted those in need.

CWEA President-Elect Gilbert Barela

As a Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley, Dr. Jenkins dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of environmental engineering. His extensive research and publications on biological treatment processes, wastewater chemistry, and microbiology have made a lasting impact on our profession and greatly influenced global approaches to wastewater treatment.

Dr. Jenkins’s unwavering commitment to supporting wastewater operators, students, fellow CWEA members, and agencies facing treatment plant challenges was truly exceptional. He generously shared his knowledge and expertise, making him a sought-after speaker at CWEA and WEF conferences. His passion for our field and his selfless contributions earned him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

To honor Dr. Jenkins’s remarkable life and accomplishments, we invite you to participate in a newly established scholarship fund, which serves as a meaningful tribute to Dr. Jenkins’s legacy. By donating to this fund, you will not only support aspiring students in our industry but also commemorate the invaluable contributions of Dr. Jenkins himself.

We kindly request your support in contributing to the “Professor David Jenkins Operator Scholarship.” Your donation, regardless of the amount, will make a significant difference in the lives of deserving students and serve as a lasting tribute to Dr. Jenkins’s dedication and passion for our profession.

Let us come together as a community to honor the memory of Dr. Jenkins, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many through his knowledge, generosity, and kind-hearted nature. Together, we can ensure that his legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of environmental engineering.

Thank you for your consideration and support. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our profession and your participation in this special initiative.

Donate to the endowment fund

Or mail your donation to:

Water Environment Federation
Professor David Jenkins Endowment Fund
601 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

With warm regards,

GILBERT G. BARELA

CWEA President-Elect
Jurupa Community Services District

The Water Environment Association (WEF) is a 501-c-3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible.