Remembering Peter Wagner

black and white photo of Dr. Peter B. Wagner

Wagner Award Celebrates 25th Year

The Peter Wagner Memorial Endowment was established in 1981 by Sue Wagner—his wife and former longtime Nevada legislator and Lt. Governor— and his family and friends. Peter Wagner was an atmospheric physicist at DRI who was killed on March 3, 1980, with three of his DRI colleagues in a plane crash over the Sierra while on a research flight. A memorial plaque is on display in the courtyard of DRI’s Northern Nevada Science Center.

This year, the 25th Wagner Award was presented on September 21 to Andrea Gordon from the School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma. We thank Sue Wagner, her family, and friends for establishing this endowment in Peter’s memory and their continued support. For more information on how you can support impactful science that inspires solutions, please contact the DRI Office of Advancement at (775) 673-7300. To learn more about the Wagner Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences please visit: Wagner Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences – DRI

Photo of Sue Wagner and Vera. — Sue Wagner



October 3, 2023



Subscribe via RSS



Atmospheric Sciences | DAS | Reno | Wagner Award

← Prev: DRI Foundation Trustee Honors Father by Establishing Farming & Environment Award Supporting a Lifelong Passion for Science →

Legacy of Education and Community Support Lives On Through Gallifent Endowment at DRI

May 11, 2026

The DRI Foundation is honored to announce that DRI recently received a generous donation from the estate of Elizabeth “Betty” Gallifent for the Betty & John Gallifent endowment. The Gallifent Endowment provides essential unrestricted support to advance DRI strategic priorities, such as the Innovation Research Program (IRP). The IRP provides essential seed funding for early-stage research projects at DRI, allowing DRI scientists to test promising ideas and build the initial data needed to secure larger state and federal grants. We are grateful to Betty and John, as well as Betty’s family, for the Gallifent’s continued generosity to DRI. The Gallifent Endowment will provide essential support to DRI for generations to come.

With Help from Nevada Foundations and Community Partners, DRI is Bringing High-Quality, Hands-On STEM Learning to Nevada’s Schools

Apr 14, 2026

This April, we are celebrating STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics – at DRI. Both the STEM Education Program and Nevada Robotics are dedicated to ensuring that Nevada educators are empowered to bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning to their classrooms and that every Nevada student has the confidence and skills to thrive in our technology driven world. Community support plays a critical role in helping both programs fulfill their missions.

Remembering the Legacy of Sue Wagner, Long-Time DRI Supporter and Pioneering Woman in Nevada Politics

Mar 18, 2026

Sue Wagner built the foundation for state support for DRI. She joined the staff of DRI in 1981 and served as Special Assistant for Government and Legislative Affairs for nine years, and ending when she was elected Lieutenant Governor. One of her major achievements at DRI was shepherding of special legislation through the U.S. Congress to establish the DRI Dandini Research Park. Sue remained active in local and state politics and continued to play a role in supporting promising scientists from DRI and beyond.