Boulder, CO, USA – Awards recognizing outstanding service in accordance with the mission and values of The Geological Society of America will be presented at the GSA Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, USA, on 30 October 2010.
GSA Public Service Award
Jonathan G. Price, director/state geologist and research geologist at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada, will be acknowledged for advancing earth sciences in the public interest with the 2010 GSA Public Service Award. The award, established in 1998 in honor of Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker, is given each year to recognize contributions that enhance the public understanding of earth sciences or serve decision makers in applying earth-science information to public affairs and policy.
Price's "significant contributions in the study of natural resources, natural hazards, and the growth of the earth sciences profession itself have demonstrated a reproducible pattern: research, applications, public education, and mentoring," said Jeffrey N. Rubin, emergency manager with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue of Oregon, in nominating Price for this honor.
"As state geologist in earthquake-prone Nevada, as a leader in the Western States Seismic Policy Council, and through his roles on federal committees, he has helped plant the seeds of a sustainable system of public guidance, warning, and mitigation, in order to reduce loss of life and property from the impact of natural hazards," said Rubin.
Price rightly represents the standards of service and stewardship that GSA seeks to recognize and encourage with this award, according to Rubin, who notes that Price's "ceaseless commitment to outreach and mentoring ensures subsequent generations working toward the same ends."
GSA Distinguished Service Award
David A. Stephenson will be honored with the GSA Distinguished Service Award for more than four decades of dedicated service to the Society.
Stephenson was an early and continuously active member of GSA's Hydrogeology Division, serving as the Division's Birdsall-Dreiss Lecturer (1979�) as well as its chair in 1983. He was awarded the Hydrogeology Division's Distinguished Service Award in 1993.
Stephenson was a GSA Councilor from 1989 to 1991, and served as Council President in 1995. During this time, Stephenson encouraged GSA to become more active in the areas of education and public policy, which remain integral to GSA's strategic plan today.
Stephenson accepted a role as acting executive director in 2001, bringing stability to the Society during a time of leadership transition.
He served as president of the GSA Foundation from 2004 until stepping down in June 2010. During his tenure, Stephenson led the Foundation through significant improvements in its financial operations and worked to broaden representation on the Board of Trustees. Under his direction, the Foundation provided significant support for GSA programs.
"Dave Stephenson's long record of extraordinary service makes him an obvious choice for the 2010 Distinguished Service Award," said GSA Past President Jean M. Bahr in nominating Stephenson for the award. "The geological community has benefitted greatly from his steady leadership over the years."
See photos of GSA award recipients at http://www.geosociety.org/awards/index.htm. Citations and responses from the 2010 GSA medal and award winners will be posted on this site in early November, after the GSA Annual Meeting.
Read more about GSA Awards at http://www.geosociety.org/awards/aboutAwards.htm.
The Geological Society of America, founded in 1888, is a scientific society with more than 22,000 members from academia, government, and industry in more than 95 countries. Through its meetings, publications, and programs, GSA enhances the professional growth of its members and promotes the geosciences in the service of humankind. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, GSA encourages cooperative research among earth, life, planetary, and social scientists, fosters public dialogue on geoscience issues, and supports all levels of earth science education.