The College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University honored several outstanding faculty and staff at its annual Holiday Luncheon And Awards Ceremony Jan. 10 at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.

Geosciences Interim Associate Dean for Research Dr. Ping Yang led the ceremony, as Dean Dr. Debbie Thomas was aboard the JOIDES Resolution in the southeast Pacific Ocean, serving as co-chief scientist of International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 378.

“I believe that we are more than an extraordinary faculty and staff at a world-class institution — we are truly part of boldly providing solutions to challenges that face the world today and tomorrow not only by educating the future leaders, but also in our cutting-edge research, inspired teaching, and impactful service missions.

The College gathered to celebrate the end of an amazing year of accomplishments in 2019, as well as the following 2019 award winners.

Association Of Former Students College Level Teaching Awards

Dr. Chrissy Wiederwohl, instructional associate professor of oceanography, was honored with a 2019 Association of Former Students College Level Teaching Award.

Dr. Inci Guneralp, associate professor of geography, was also honored with a 2019 Association of Former Students College Level Teaching Award.

Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Awards

Judy Nunez, director of college recruitment, received the Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Exemplary Service, in the staff category.

Theresa Morrison, business administrator in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, was awarded the Dean’s Distinguished Award for Exemplary Service, also in the staff category.

Dr. David Sparks, professor of geology, received the Dean’s Distinguished Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching.

Dr. Ryan Ewing, associate professor of geology, was honored with the Dean’s Distinguished Award for Faculty Excellence in Research.

Dr. Jessica Fitzsimmons, assistant professor of oceanography, received the Dean’s Distinguished Award for Faculty Excellence in Service.

Dr. William Lamb, professor of geology and geophysics, was honored with the Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Selfless Service, in the faculty category.

Endowed Chairs And Professorships

Holders of endowed chairs and professorships that were awarded or re-awarded in 2019 were also honored at the event:

• Fred Chester, the David Bullock Harris Chair in Geology
• Ping Chang, the Louis Elizabeth Scherck Chair in Oceanography
• Ethan Grossman, the Michel T. Halbouty Chair in Geology
• Ping Yang, the David Bullock Harris Chair in Geosciences
• Renyi Zhang, the Harold J. Haynes Chair in Geosciences

Service Milestones

Faculty and staff members who had reached significant milestones in their service to Texas A&M were also recognized.

For 20 years of service:

• Theresa Morrison
• Kenneth Sherar
• Matthew Nobles

For 25 years of service:

• Martin Bohn
• Achim Stoessel
• Benjamin Giese

For 30 years of service:

• Jonathan Smith

For 35 years of service:

• William Mills
• Bradley Julson
• Donald Sims
• Rick Giardino
• Terry Wade
• Jack Baldauf

Photos from the awards ceremony can be viewed at tx.ag/GeosAwardsJanuary2020.  

By Leslie Lee ‘09