2016 AIPG HONORS AND AWARDS
a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, and am listed in the 18th edi- tion of Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.
Response
I am very fortunate in being a geolo- gist, and for having the opportunity to become one. So much has happened in and with the science since then. Back in my undergrad days no one knew about plate tectonics and related matters. Look what has happened since then.
Further, the knowledge, aware- ness, and applications of the science have spread and grown dramatically. Knowledge, importance, and applica- tions have spread beyond the academic and economic (energy and materials) to encompass us as a society. Geology dictates how we live and prosper. My life in Florida, where I live, is different than how someone lives elsewhere. That doesn’t mean it is better, just different, and is related/controlled by geology The average person doesn’t know or appreci- ate this. Geology is in everyone’s news and minds today. We don’t realize it. I think AIPG realizes this. They must be congratulated on the programs they undertake and their applications of the science. The general public is not aware of this, but it certainly has “improved” things. Geology is as important to our lives as agriculture, building, etc.
I have been dealing with a number of medical problems that prevented me from going to Santa Fe. I preferred to take the conservative approach and forego the trip now rather than commit and have to quit so there are no surprises and last minute difficulties as well as time to prepare for contingencies.
I am more than flattered that you have chosen me to be the recipient of the Medal and thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Please consider nom- inating someone you know for one of the distinguished National Awards. The award nomi- nation form for 2017 can be found on page 39 of this issue. The deadline for the 2017 nominations is January 15, 2017.
J. Foster Sawyer, CPG-10000 2016 Recipient of the AIPG Martin Van Couvering Memorial Award
J. Foster Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Furman University and Master of Science and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in Geology and Geological Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The early years of his career were devoted to geological and hydrolog- ical projects as a geologist and hydrolo- gist with the South Dakota Geological Survey in the Black Hills region. Notable projects on which he worked included serving as co-author for the Geologic Map of South Dakota, performing source water assessments and vulnerability mapping for over five hundred public water supply systems in the Black Hills area, and supervising and participating in numerous hydrologic and geologic investigations in western South Dakota.
In 2008, Foster changed career paths and accepted a position as an Assistant Professor at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T) in Rapid City, SD, and in 2014 he was awarded tenure and promoted to Associate Professor at SDSM&T. During his time at both SDSM&T and the South Dakota Geological Survey he authored and co-authored over fifty articles, maps, and abstracts on a variety of geologic and hydrologic topics, and he served on the Board of Directors of the West Dakota Water Development District for twelve years. He also has traveled and worked frequently in Mongolia and participated in two paleontological expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula.
At SDSM&T, Foster has worked to strengthen the petroleum related cur- ricula, recently adding a new petroleum field camp and securing major donations of petroleum industry software and digital datasets for research and teach- ing. Another significant accomplish-
ment while at SDSM&T is development and supervision of two STEM education programs for Native American students in collaboration with Tribal colleges in western South Dakota.
Foster also has received several awards over the course of his career as follows:
Virginia Simpson Award for com- munity service, 2016, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
2016 Honorary Awardee, Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies
Antarctic Service Medal, 2005, United States of America
Geologist of the Year Award, 2004, AIPG South Dakota Section
Foster’s interactions with AIPG have included serving as President of the AIPG South Dakota Section, Co-Chairing the 2012 AIPG National Annual Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota, and serv- ing on the AIPG National Executive Committee from 2009-2016 as an Advisory Board Member, Secretary, Vice President, President Elect, President, and Past President.
Response
It is a tremendous honor to receive the Martin Van Couvering Memorial Award which recognizes service to the profession and to the Institute. Mr. Van Couvering was renowned for his personal and professional integrity and his high standards of professional com- petence. He also was the first President of AIPG, serving on a full-time basis for two years, and his outstanding leader- ship and organizational talents laid the foundation upon which AIPG was built. I am truly humbled to receive the award that bears his name.
If I have been fortunate enough to make any meaningful contributions to AIPG, it is due in large measure to out- standing people who have served AIPG as national Executive Committee mem- bers, headquarters staff, and dedicated professional members. Past Presidents including Richard (Rick) Powers, Lawrence Weber, Samuel Gowan, Barbara Murphy, Michael Lawless, Ronald Wallace, Raymond Talkington, Daniel St. Germain, Lawrence Cerrillo, Dennis Pennington, and others played critical roles as mentors and advisors. Headquarters personnel including William (Bill) Siok (retired), Wendy Davidson, Cathy Duran, and others facilitated every step along the way and
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