HONORS AND AWARDS Adam W. Heft, PG


CPG-10265 Holt, Michigan


Martin Van Couvering Memorial Service to the Institute Award


It came as quite a surprise when I


learned earlier this year that I was to be honored as the 2020 recipient of the Martin Van Couvering Memorial Award. When I look back at the list of those indi- viduals who have received this award before me, I was struck by two things; first, that I know over half of them, and second, that I was considered to be worthy of becoming a part of this group.


Back when I first joined AIPG, I was


working at a very small environmental consulting company. My supervisor, who was a hydrogeologist (but not a member of AIPG), encouraged me to join a profes- sional organization and begin to develop my professional credentials and net- work. After I had applied and received my CPG, he told me that he hoped that I would be an active participant in the organization. I assured him I would be, and to that end, I attended my first annual meeting that year in Milwaukee.


I remember when I arrived at the meeting, I initially felt out of my league. A bit like a mouse among giants, truth to tell. But after a short time, I began meeting other professionals. They were all welcoming, and I was able to talk with several individuals, relax, and enjoy the meeting. After attending my second annual meeting, I knew a few more members, and began looking for- ward to future meetings where I could see them again. Since 2004, I’ve attended every annual meeting, and have become friends with many individuals from across the country.


I have been actively involved with


Section activities almost since I first became a CPG. I served as an assis- tant editor for our Section’s newsletter until the previous Editor (Ty Black)


14 TPG • Oct.Nov.Dec 2020


stepped down in 2008; I’ve served as the Editor since that time. I’ve also served on several committees, including one as the Chairman of the 2007 Annual Meeting and another for our Section’s very successful Environmental Risk Management Workshops. My service has also been at the National level. I first served on the National Executive Committee in 2009 as an advisory board member, and in 2010 as Secretary. Then in 2016 I became President Elect. Now I’m standing for election as National Editor.


They say you only get out of something


what you put in. This is generally true. I’ve put a lot of time into service to the Institute over the years. However, I feel that I have received more benefit from my service than I have put into it, and have enjoyed every bit of that time and effort. I’ve had the chance to meet many incredible members from all over the country, and even some from other


“


They say you only get out of something what you put in.


countries. I’ve made friendships I would never otherwise have had. I consider myself the better for those friendships. I’ve been able to travel and see interest- ing geologic features, mines, and other points of interest that I don’t get to see in my typical environmental geology employment. And finally, active partici- pation and public speaking at meetings has helped make me more confident.


I encourage our members, particu-


larly those early in their career (though it’s never too late), to be active in your respective Sections. Attend an Annual Meeting or two if possible, and meet other professionals from elsewhere in the country and see some incredible geologic features on field trips. You won’t regret it!


I owe a debt of gratitude to many individuals for making it possible for me to receive this award. To my parents for encouragement to believe in myself even when times were hard. To Mark Henne for his strong encouragement to become an active member of AIPG. To Wendy, Cathy, Vickie, Dorothy, and Aaron at Headquarters for everything they do each day that makes our jobs within AIPG easier and more enjoyable – a BIG Thank You! For all of you that I have become friends with over the years; there are far too many of you to list, but may


we have many more years of enjoyable Annual Meetings. And finally, but cer- tainly not least, to my wonderful bride- to-be, Sara Pearson, for many things.


Career Achievements I obtained a B.S. in Geology &


Earth Science from Central Michigan University in 1990, and a M.S. in Geology from Michigan State University in 1993.


I began working as an environmental geologist as a field geologist and gas chromatograph operator for a mobile lab at Peterson Environmental Services, Inc. in 1993. I moved on to a small environmental consulting company, Fitzgerald Henne & Associates, Inc. in 1994 where I remained until 2008 when the environmental group joined Parsons Brinckerhoff, which later became WSP.


I joined AIPG in 1998 as a CPG.


I served as general chairman of the successful 44th annual meeting and received the significant contribution to the Michigan Section award in 2007, and a Presidential Certificate of Merit in 2008. I first served on the National Executive Committee in 2009 as an advisory board member and in 2010- 11 as Secretary. I received a Section Leadership award in 2014. I then served as National President in 2017.


Christine F. Lilek


CPG-10195 Juneau, Wisconsin


John T. Galey, Sr.,


Memorial Public Service Award Together: water and people work-


ing for positive change. Water and rocks, but mainly water


has been the focus of my life. Water has inspired and comforted me from childhood, through my career and now approaching retirement. In college, I believed that civil engineering would best connect me to water. Yet, immers-


www.aipg.org


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