Mark Schroeder

Mark Schroeder and his wife, Eve, recently created an endowed scholarship to help a UCR student with an interest in fire science. Why? Mr. Schroeder, who spent most of his life working in the world of fire science and weather, wants to continue the legacy.

Life So Far
After serving as a weather reconnaissance officer in World War II, flying in B-17s, he became a research meteorologist for the U.S. Forest Service, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service fire laboratory in Riverside. He led the National Fire Danger Rating Project, the rating system still in use today. He retired in 1973.

He and Eve have traveled to more than 170 countries.

Great Accomplishments
Schroeder earned the U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal for Meritorious Service, the U.S. Weather Bureau Distinguished Service Award and the Forest Service’s Outstanding Performance Award for extraordinary scientific leadership, all related to the success of the National Fire Danger Rating Project.

Influential UCR Mentor
Donald Munnecke, professor emeritus in the Department of Plant Pathology, was a close friend. Schroeder also keeps an inquisitive eye on the fire ecology work of UCR professor Richard Minnich.

Your Legacy
Paving the way for future fire scientists.