2021 Senior Recognition and Awards Event

September 9, 2021

On August 19th, 2021, GeoFORCE Texas held its inaugural Senior Recognition and Awards Event. This virtual celebration recognized valedictorians and salutatorians of the most recent GeoFORCE high school graduating class and those who chose to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees in college this fall. Chris Bell, Associate Dean of the Jackson School, also welcomed the incoming geoscience majors. Certain members of the GeoFORCE community were also recognized with awards for their outstanding support for the program.

GeoFORCE Staff of the Year went to summer instructor Chelsea Mackaman-Loftland.

“Chelsea is an accomplished and exemplary educator who approaches every lesson with the utmost care and insight,” one nominator wrote. “She knows how to connect with students and exudes confidence, competence, and positivity that makes for a special experience for GeoFORCE students.”

April Duerson and the Schlumberger BOLD team were the GeoFORCE Volunteers of the Year. Duerson was a guest speaker on two different GeoFORCE summer academies, sharing practical tips on preparing for college and choosing a career path. Additionally, Duerson and the BOLD team worked with GeoFORCE staff to intentionally invite program alumni to their BRIDGE conferences, as well as create a special master class to help these alumni learn relevant networking skills.

Finally, three GeoFORCE alumni and one honorary inductee were invited to be the first members of the GeoFORCE Hall of Fame. The honorary member is Doug Ratcliff, first director of the GeoFORCE program, from its founding in 2005 until his retirement in 2012.

Following Ratcliff, Enrique Reyes, Stephanie Suarez, and Izaak Ruiz were welcomed as Hall of Fame inductees. These GeoFORCE alumni were all recognized because of their passion for the geosciences, success in their education and careers, exemplary work in outreach, and willingness to give back to the program.

The inaugural GeoFORCE Senior Recognition and Awards Event was a complete success, with alumni, current students, family members, friends of the program, corporate sponsors, staff members, and even a few interested guests all in attendance.