HONORS AND AWARDS
ing myself in man-made materials and transport systems distanced me from my connection to water and I found myself attracted to the geosciences where I could study water in its “natural habi- tat”. A professional and personal focus that continues to feed mind, body and soul.
During my undergraduate hydrogeology studies at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, I discovered that water movement in the natural world could cause both positive and negative changes. Some of the negative changes to Wisconsin’s groundwater were being intensified by human activi-
“
Working with Water Industry represen- tatives throughout the state, I came to respect the need for AIPG’s ethics and pro- fessional standards.
ties such as waste disposal, land spread- ing and high capacity well pumping.
In hopes of decreasing these negative
changes to Wisconsin groundwater sys- tems, I joined the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WDNR) as a
hydrogeologist after graduating from UW-Milwaukee’s Geology Department in 1981. My C.P.G. credentials and involvement with AIPG helped me inter- act and encourage water industry profes- sionals to work together and try pilot projects in recycling, water reuse and innovative groundwater remediation. I had more energy in my 20s and 30s. In addition to working with WDNR and having a husband and 3 children, I was also appointed as the Village of Cottage Grove Water and Sewer Commission Director. Working with the Rural Water Association, we were able to develop and approve the first Conditional Land Use – Wellhead Protection Ordinance in Wisconsin.
Working with Water Industry repre- sentatives throughout the state, I came to respect the need for AIPG’s ethics and professional standards. Gathering participants for new projects could only be accomplished if these standards had been implemented in the past. We also needed to understand individual values
www.aipg.org
and establish common ground. My 1995 Edgewood College graduate program of environmental ethics and stewardship classes, provided me with methods to bring people together from all walks of life to accomplish positive change.
I am especially proud of several of my diverse group accomplishments:
Our central Wisconsin municipal-
ity group in Portage and Marathon Counties received the 2012 La Follette Institute’s - Lloyd D. Gladfelter Award for Government Innovation for piloting a beneficial reuse project for street sweep- ings. After processing and testing, street swept inorganic solids were reused in road and sub foundation projects; saving tens of thousands of dollars for munici- palities in landfill costs.
Our Wisconsin Section of AIPG has
been able to educate and network hun- dreds of geoscience professionals and citizens during our events:
Geology Days at Capitol (2010, 2019)
Earth & Water Student Presentation Day (2013) Sand Mine Life Cycle Seminar (2017) PFAS Life Cycle Workshop (2019) PFAS: What’s
Working Seminar (2020)
Together: water and people working for positive change.
I had ever owned, arriving here with no money, not even the ability to speak the language. I had a few things in my favor; however, my faith in God, the love of my family, my health, a desire to learn and the multiple opportunities that the United States of America can offer each and every one of us as long as we are willing to work hard to get ahead. Nevertheless, I did lack one factor; I did not have a “vocation.”
I started college as a physical educa-
tion major. From there I drifted into several other fields, but nothing really excited me. I was a math major when I took my first geology course. Right then and there I knew, immediately, that I was home! I fell in love with almost every aspect of the geological sciences.
It was not until I started to work on my doctorate at Texas A&M University that I heard about the AIPG. My dissertation director, Dr. Bob Berg, a past national AIPG president, encouraged me to join the organization. I did become a CPG four years after I had earned my degree, while I was working as a professor at Baylor University.
“ Robert G. Font, Ph.D.
CPG-03953 Parker, Texas
Award of Honorary Membership This award is a great honor, indeed.
To all of you who selected me for this distinction, I express my sincere thanks.
I must admit to you that, at times like
this, I think back to the day when I first arrived at this great country of ours, as a teenager, escaping communism, hav- ing lost every material possession that
I was a math major when I took my first geology course. Right then and there I knew, immediately, that I was home!
The AIPG has meant much to me over the years. It has given me the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with some of the most outstanding professionals and geological scientists on the planet. I have developed solid friendships that I truly treasure. I find myself very blessed. I found the love of my life when I met my beautiful wife. I have a daughter and a son and five grandchildren who mean the world to me. I have had an extremely fulfilling and long career. And I have you. What else could anyone ask for?
Finally, I will admit to you that I am
having much fun in writing the “Test Your Knowledge” column for the TPG. I try hard to make it informative and amusing for you. So, to all of you “dudes” and “dudettes”, many thanks for grant- ing me this honor!
Oct.Nov.Dec 2020 • TPG 15
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