DEEPS seeks nominations for Distinguished Alumni Award
January 17, 2026
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates of the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences who have achieved exceptional professional success, made significant contributions to their field, and/or demonstrated outstanding service to society, the environment, or the university community. This award celebrates the impact and excellence of our alumni in advancing Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences and inspiring future generations.
Eligibility
- Nominees must hold a degree (B.A., M.S., or Ph.D.) from the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (or its predecessor programs, including the Department of Geological Sciences and the Program in Environmental Sciences).
- Nominees must have completed their degree at least 10 years prior to nomination.
- Current faculty or staff of the department are not eligible during their term of employment.
- Posthumous nominations may be considered.
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated on their demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Professional Achievement
- Outstanding accomplishments in academia, industry, government, or other professional arenas.
- Leadership roles, innovation, or recognized contributions that have advanced the field of Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences.
- Scientific or Societal Impact
- Significant contributions to solving environmental or geoscientific challenges.
- Work that has improved understanding of Earth systems, supported sustainable resource use, or protected environmental health.
- Service and Leadership
- Dedication to mentoring, teaching, or promoting diversity and inclusion in the Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences.
- Leadership within professional organizations, community engagement, or science outreach activities.
- Contributions to the University or Department
- Continued involvement with the department through mentoring, collaboration, philanthropy, or advocacy.
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of students and the departmental mission.
Nomination Process
- Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, students, or alumni of the department.
- Each nomination must include:
- A nomination letter summarizing the nominee’s achievements and their connection to the department.
- The nominee’s current CV or professional biography.
- Up to two additional letters of support (optional).
- Nominations should be e-mailed to the chair.
- The Department Awards Committee -- consisting of one recent alum, one emeritus professor, and one current faculty member -- will review nominations and make recommendations to the Chair for final approval.
Past award recipients are:
Chuck DeMets, 2019
Andy Newman, 2016
Stephen R. Myers, 2015
Michael Wysession, 2015
Jeremy B. Fein, 2014