Class Notes
December 13, 2025
1940
James Joyes (B.S. ’48) says, “I’m still enjoying retirement after four years. Beverly and I are doing a lot of traveling. Am I the only one left of the class of 48?”
1950
Robert F. Travis (B.A. ’57) writes, “I was in the class of 1956. I finally received my B.A. in 1957. It is a rare event when I see anything or hear something about or from members of either class. I hope they are just being quiet. I recently moved to a new house in Austin near 4 points. I would love to hear from anyone who is nearby.”
1960s
Rubin A Schultz, Jr. (B.A. ’61) writes, “Nancy and I are still enjoying our great grandkids – not much else new. I guess time is getting to us. We have not done any traveling this year except visiting relatives.”
Richard Waitt (M.A. ’70) says, “After 50.4 years with the USGS I finally retired end of May. But as Scientist Emeritus I continue to work from my still-stuffed office at USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory with same address and contact numbers. Mostly finishing off several part-done reports that had gotten stranded along the way but whose science has not been superseded (for few grad students these days do dedicated fieldwork). The field-based geology reports are about Mount St. Helens (MSH) May 1980 eruption, the great late Pleistocene Missoula floods in eastern Washington, and a large late Holocene flood in north Iceland. Five such reports currently in review or editorial production, many others still to come. At MSH I look forward to collaborating soon with UT Austin geo prof Jim Gardner. Retirement ironically allows more time and freedom to travel east of the Cascades to earlier research sites and region for ‘touch-up fieldwork’ on Pleistocene glacial & megafloods geology. Cynthia and I remain busy maintaining our park-like acreage in Vancouver, where each summer we host a pig roast that commemorates such a deed in late summer 1980 done in MSH’s still-hot ash flows. Pleasure travel this year includes a Danube River cruise, a specialized rail journey about the Canadian Rockies, and a long rail circuit about western USA.”
1970s
Charles A. (Chuck) Caughey (M.A. ’73) writes, “Now VP on the HOA board fielding issues for our neighborhood of 1081 homes and staying active mentoring students on MS scholarships at JSG (1 for graduates of Indonesian universities, another supporting graduate study for students from GeoFORCE). Two of my Indonesian MS grads recently joined me at my fishing shack on Galveston Bay, Taufik Al Amin with his new wife Laras and Aya Shika Bangun. I also have a scholarship for 2-year community college graduates to get a BS in geoscience at Sam Houston State University, and first recipient Marcos Jiminez graduated and is now finishing MS studies at the Jackson School. Staying busy and time flies, so I must be having fun!”
Patricia W. Dickerson (B.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’95) writes, “The tectonic winds wafted me across the Tropic of Capricorn in October for an IGCP 735 field conference in Córdoba, Argentina. Endlessly intriguing lower Paleozoic rocks — we were in the Precordillera, the area that propelled me into one of my ongoing projects (new publication in progress). The absence of boos and hisses following my talk was satisfying — naturally, new questions arose, so I must return. On the flight back to this hemisphere, in near-clear skies along the craggy Andes, a mesa-like Colombian glacier appeared close enough for reaching out the plane window and scooping snowballs (photo). Still farther south, the old bones (pre-Ordovician) of Antarctica have beckoned — fascinating first visit to the rocks of that continent. This visit is solely cerebral, though I’d love to set boots on the vagrant N. American rocks there. Collaborating with most congenial colleagues, we’re in near-final throes of manuscript construction. From the far-removed to the familiar, a couple of brain cells have been aimed west. Cohorts at Sul Ross State University, San Angelo State University, and I have proposed a Big Bend field trip for the GSA annual meeting this October — pleasurable field checks, plotting/scheming sessions in Alpine. The field guide is now at page-proof stage — it looks like a book(!). Elsewhere in the cosmos, Martian landscapes conjure counterparts in New Mexico, fueling field-foray plans. Relishing field checks in northern NM with a dear friend and Mars researcher. As always, the high points of the annual landscape have been the convergences with you — in the field, at meetings, wherever. Looking forward to hearing your news!”
Ralph Kerr (B.A. ’77) shares, “I am still living in Houston, and geology has become more of a hobby for me. Since retiring from Shell 15 years ago, I have built a second career as an executive coach, which has taken me to many interesting places, including an offshore facilities shipyard in Pori, Finland, an oil sands mine in northern Alberta, and a refinery outside Singapore. The more I see, the more I am grateful for the great education, the people I met, and many doors that opened because of my time at UT.”
1980s
Steve Chang (B.S. ’87) shares, “Enjoying retirement along the Brazos River! Nikki and I are enjoying retirement in our new home and looking forward to doing some traveling in the future.”
Daryl Chicken (B.S. ’88) shares, “Presently working for Stabil Drill as Corporate Account Manager. Oldest daughter has finished her master’s degree at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and youngest daughter will complete her final year at the University of Texas in College of Communications focused on Speech Therapy. Volunteer as AADE Central Texas Chapter liaison to UT Petroleum Engineer’s Student Chapter. Still living in Magnolia, Texas.”
Kevin Frenzel (B.S. ’87) writes, “Well, I have finally decided to retire after over 40 years of professional experience including groundwater assessments and remediation, uranium exploration, and managing coastal restoration projects with the Texas General Land Office. I plan to spend the next phase of my life spending more time with my family and enjoying the coast. I can’t thank the University of Texas enough for providing me the skills and education to pursue my career. Cheers!”
Steven Henderson (B.S. ’81) says, “Starting the 10th year teaching physical geology, petroleum geology, structural geology, and formation evaluation at Texas Tech…in the Petroleum Engineering department. Go figure.”
Charles Johnson (B.S. ’83) writes, “Picked up a new deal in Bee County in 2025 which we will be working on through the fall. Planning on some infill drilling in our Cayuga Field for the Woodbine in Anderson County as well later this year. We’ve been improving our Live Oak County deal we picked up in 2024 which is now up to 40 bopd from 23 last year. Hanging on for some higher prices…we hope. Turning 65 this year with 42 years of full-time work behind me, all thanks to the great Geology program at UT Austin. Hook ‘em!”
Marcus M. Key, Jr. (B.S. ’83) writes, “My 5th and youngest child graduated from college in May, so Maria and I are empty nesters, sort of. We have 1.5 grandkids and are still enjoying life in Carlisle, PA when not travelling to see the kids. I’m in my 36th year of teaching at Dickinson College as the Joseph Priestley Professor of Natural Philosophy in the Department of Geosciences. I am still enjoying chasing fossil bryozoans around the world!”
Teresa Klump Carpenter (B.A. ’86) says, “Since the oil market tanked when I graduated, I went back to UT and got a math degree. I applied for jobs everywhere and eventually got hired as a programmer at the Texas Water Development Board. After a few years there, I did the dot com shuffle and worked for several startups as a website developer. In the evenings, I pursued my passion for sports and coached volleyball and went to massage therapy school. I got laid off when Tivoli got assimilated into IBM and my position was eliminated. So next I worked as a fitness trainer, massage therapist and coach, applying my analytical skills in a different industry. A decade ago, I went to real estate school and became a realtor and am now a broker. I still do some fitness training, massage therapy, play lots of sports, and love the variety! Through it all, I’m still a rockhound. My husband and I own a small ski condo at Purgatory Resort, outside of Durango, Colorado, where I spent 3 weeks of my GEO 660 field camp mapping the area. The owner of Purgatory also owns Sipapu ski resort in New Mexico, where I spent the other 3 weeks of field camp! Small world. I still remember the song we wrote then – the ‘660 Blues.’ I’m still pivoting – who knows what I will do next?”
Bruno Maldonado (B.S. ’82) writes, “Hello to all my friends at the Jackson School of Geosciences and those still practicing geoscience. I continue to provide geoscience consulting services. Patricia keeps pressuring me to retire (maybe next year), but I do not see it as work. I still enjoy applying the science. Having worked the majority of my career internationally, most of my recent work has been in South Texas. I’m now looking at unconventional projects in South America. When I’m not consulting, I spend time with my 4 grandkids enjoying the outdoors at my mini-ranch. Perhaps most enjoyable is watching them play soccer, volleyball, basketball and baseball. I’m also involved in Off Road Racing as a Pit Crew Boss for my two sons’ team ‘Mondo Motorsports.’ You can watch our videos on Instagram at @mondomotorsprts. We participate in UNLTD Offroad Racing Series. We are currently in 1st place for the Series that includes The Mint 400 in Las Vegas, Nevada, The Parker 400 in Parker, Arizona and our last race for this Series is The California 300 in Barstow, California. If we place in the top three in Barstow, we will hold on to 1st place for the Series. A big hug to all you Geoscience Longhorns….See Ya!”
Gene Pisasale (M.A. ’80) shares, “To all my Friends in the Jackson School of Geosciences Graduate Class of 1980: I’m reminded of a well-known person who lived centuries ago who was a businessman, a printer, an inventor, a scientist, a statesman and a Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. That man was Benjamin Franklin; I’d say he had a varied career, one to be quite proud of. After working as a petroleum geologist for six years (1980-1986), I transitioned into the investment industry, working as an Investment Executive at first, then as a financial analyst and portfolio manager (earning my MBA Finance and CFA) covering the energy/natural resources industries. I enjoyed that very much, having opportunities to meet CEOs and CFOs of Fortune 500 Companies like Exxon, Chevron, Dow Chemical, Du Pont and many others. It was a fascinating transition and overall, a wonderful experience. I semi-retired and shifted gears a bit, helping a small family business for a while, then decided to pursue one of my first loves: history. So, I later earned a master’s degree in American History and focused most of my efforts on writing about local and regional history in the Chester County/Philadelphia area. I am about to write my 12th book, which will delve into the lives and accomplishments of several well-known personalities who lived in this region from around 1725-1850. Writing and lecturing has been quite a lot of fun!! If any of you are visiting the Philadelphia area, stop in and see me. I live just down the road from world-renowned Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. I keep in touch with Dr. Earle McBride, and he just turned 93!! God bless him. Wishing all my fellow graduate school classmates good health and many blessings. Sincerely, Gene Pisasale.”
Jerry Schwarzbach (B.A. ’83) says, “Still enjoying working in Tyler, ranching, flying, hanging with family and going to UT Football games.”
Bruce Swartz (B.S. ’82) shares, “I continue to work in the oil & gas industry as a consultant. Still sliding logs and supervising field operations. But not working the hours that I did in the past. Enjoying my time more and chasing grandchildren.”
David N. Tolces (B.S. ’85) writes, “Still practicing local government law in South Florida. Enjoyed travels in Italy this past April and along the Appalachian Trail around Roanoke, VA last summer. For those of you who hike the AT, my trail name is ‘Geo.’ For something different, I am off to hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago in August 2025. Wherever I travel or hike, I thank UT for giving me the education and appreciation for the geology that is all around me and underfoot. Looking forward to the UT/UF football game in Gainesville this fall. Hook ’em!”
William Barry Wethington (B.S. ’85) says, “Wow, 40 years since graduation! I retired in 2020 after working for BP and a short stint at Aramco. 27 years overseas was a blessing in so many ways. Celebrating my 40th wedding anniversary with three children and six grandchildren. I still consult a little and sit on a couple of boards. I have fond memories of my time at UT and all the great classmates.”
1990s
Elaine Aradillas (B.A. ’99) shares, “I received a minor in geology. I was able to use my knowledge in gemology when I was reporting at PEOPLE magazine and I spent time with jewelers to the stars. They were always impressed with my knowledge. After 15 years as a crime reporter at PEOPLE magazine in Los Angeles and New York, I have returned home to Texas where I have three documentaries in development, a crime podcast and I’m currently working on a book proposal. Thank you for being the rock-solid foundation I needed to pursue my dreams.”
David W. Hill (M.A. ’93) says, “Dave retired from the State of Texas in 2017. This included time at TCEQ and The Railroad Commission. Dave also worked in the private sector during his career and continued as a senior environmental engineer in that capacity full-time until 2024. He is now semi-retired and staying about as busy as he wants to be (not very). Dave was widowed in December 2024. Dave likes travelling, visiting friends, long walks, and seeing his grandkids. Dave lives in the Austin area and seeks conversion from a workaholic to a retire-aholic as he begins a new chapter in his life.”2000s
Marcus Gary (Ph.D. ’09) shares, “I’m excited to be at JSG full time now as a research associate professor at the BEG. Still teaching karst hydro and hydro field camp and working with students more than ever.”
James McGuire (M.S. ’03) shares, “James McGuire joined the Holland & Knight LLP law firm as a partner in its Dallas office. James’ practice includes a variety of environmental regulatory and compliance issues at the local, state and federal levels. His last roles were as a senior attorney and executive at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — including Acting Deputy General Counsel at EPA, the highest career attorney position in the agency — and as an executive at Dallas City Hall.”
Dietrich Sanders (B.S. ’05) writes, “Truly proud to be one of the first to graduate under the Jackson School of Geosciences name in 2005, and it was refreshing and exciting to visit the school after all these years for the JSG 20th Anniversary. Seeing former professors, meeting new professors, meeting new staff, learning about current explorations, and the progress JSG and the University made towards the future makes me truly proud to call myself a Longhorn Alumnus. HOOK ’EM!”
Hilary Strong Petrizzo (M.S. ’09) says, “Hilary Strong Petrizzo joined Projeo Corporation in 2024 to expand her work on carbon management from local to national. Projeo delivers comprehensive subsurface technical expertise, operational execution, and integrated project management services for low-carbon energy projects, including CO₂ storage, geothermal, critical minerals, and hydrogen storage, as well as more traditional energy projects. Hilary is also heavily involved in her community and is the 2025–2026 Executive Vice President of the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation — supporting the public school district attended by her two children.”
2010s
Lainey Benson (B.A. ’17) writes, “I’ve been living in NYC for the past 7 years — currently working in Tech (ride share) as a Business Development + Partnerships Manager. Not quite geoscience related but I somehow arrived here via a career route in sustainable transportation and environmental advocacy! I’d love to make a trip back to Austin soon — it’s been over 6 years since I’ve revisited.”
Laura Brenskelle (M.S. ’15) shares, “I’ve been working as a contractor for the NOAA U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System for over a year now, assisting with their data management and marine life observing programs. I’m living back home in the mountains of western North Carolina. Experiencing Hurricane Helene and all of its changes to the landscape here firsthand was wild, but our home was luckily undamaged. I’m also expecting my first child, a boy, in late July 2025!”
Benroy Chan (B.S. ’19) writes, “Class of 2019 EVS alumnus here! Last October, I started as a Sr. Sustainability Specialist with United Airlines — where I manage the consolidation of an annual greenhouse gas inventory in preparation of emerging regulatory requirements. I also support the airline’s narrative on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the scaling of decarbonization levers such as alternate propulsion, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and more. Last December, I also had the opportunity to fly (on United of course!) to catch up with a former professor, Dr. Wonsuck Kim, and some of my closest friends from JSG at AGU24 held in Washington D.C. I’m wishing everyone back at the Forty Acres well. When the next Chicago winter rolls through, please keep up the heat on my behalf. Cheers, Benroy.”
Roger Craycroft (B.S. ’17) says, “Roger obtained his TX PG license in November 2024 and has been working as an Environmental Geologist with GSI Environmental in Austin since 2019. Recently, he presented at the 2025 Battelle Bioremediation Symposium in Boston, MA about a closed-loop in-situ PFAS treatment technology using soil flushing and carbon filtration, funded through the Navy Environmental Sustainability Development to Integration (NESDI) program.” He married his college sweetheart, Ashika, in April 2024 and enjoys spending time with her and his dog, Pepper, in their backyard. He also enjoys playing disc golf and the bass guitar.
Mackenzie Day (Ph.D. ’17) writes, “Mackenzie Day received tenure at UCLA and welcomed a child into her family. She recently visited Austin and introduced baby Gwen to geology field adventures with a hike up Enchanted Rock!”
Hector Garza (B.S. ’16, Ph.D. ’25) says, “Hector recently earned his Ph.D. in 2025 and has begun a new role as Geochemist and Development Laboratory Manager at ElementUSA in Cedar Park, TX. In this position, he focuses on the characterization and extraction of critical minerals domestically and internationally.”
Susannah Morey (B.S. ’16) says, “Susannah Morey has accepted an Assistant Professor position in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department at Vanderbilt University! After completing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington studying megafloods in the eastern Himalaya and serving as a postdoc at the University of Colorado Boulder, she’s excited to continue her research on how extreme events like outburst floods and landslides shape Earth’s landscapes across different timescales. She looks forward to building a vibrant research group and mentoring the next generation of geoscientists while exploring fundamental questions about how catastrophic events influence long-term landscape evolution.”
Frank Morgan (B.S. ’11) shares, “My wife Annie and I are loving our new life up in Colorado spending most of our time outdoors when we can. I currently work for TRP Energy with operations in the Delaware Basin.”
Nataleigh Perez (M.S. ’13) shares, “Nataleigh graduated with her Ph.D. in Geography from Texas A&M University in August 2025. Her research focused on high-elevation peatland ecosystems in the Peruvian Andes. She has recently started a postdoc at TAMU in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department.”
Laura Pommer (M.S. ’13) says, “Laura moved from Houston to San Antonio a few years ago to be closer to her business. About a year ago she transitioned from her previous role and is now helping a San Antonio-based real estate Private Equity Group stand up a new energy vertical. She is thoroughly enjoying San Antonio, and her new role, and especially enjoys being closer to Austin and the JSG gang! She has been recruiting recent grads to help her out at GrayStreet Energy, and is thrilled that so far, they are far exceeding her standards (of course!). She will be joining the JSG Advisory Council in the fall and is excited to formally promote and give back to the department. All of her literal (Hi Max, Rania, Nabiel and Dee!) JSG family members are doing fabulously well, and she is hoping the next generation of Pommer/Eldam niece and nephews will enjoy geology as much as she and her sibling/in-laws have. Hook ‘em!”
2020s
Grace Beaudoin (Ph.D. ’22) says, “In June 2025, Grace began a new position. She is now a Program Manager in the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for Washington University in St. Louis.”
Elijah Gray (B.S. ’24) writes, “I’m currently a geologist working in the DJ Basin in Colorado!”
Myriam Loving (M.S. ’23) shares, “After graduating in 2023, I started a position as an aquatic scientist for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.”
Brandon Shuck (Ph.D. ’21) writes, “After finishing his Ph.D. in 2021 from the Jackson School, Brandon went on to do a three-year postdoc at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University in NYC. There, he continued to develop his research expertise on plate tectonic processes and geohazards using marine geophysical techniques. Recently, in Fall 2024, Brandon started as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. Brandon is excited to launch his academic career and grow his research group, and still actively collaborates and interacts with many geoscientists at UT Austin in the JSG community.”
Marlowe Enrique Zamora (B.S. ’20) shares, “I started a new job as an attorney representing clients with matters related to oil, gas, mineral, solar, and wind leases. I also generally work on matters related to property and contracts. I am happy combining what I learned at the Jackson School and at law school!”
FRIENDS
William Barron says, “I’m pleased to announce the recent release of two books: Joy in Alzheimer’s: My Mom’s Brave Walk into Dementia’s Abyss and Lap Around the Sun: Daily Steps Forward. Both are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as ebooks and paperback. Life is a journey… now that I’m retired I can give back in different ways….”
Richard Buffler says, “Christine and I love living in Santa Fe. We still enjoy traveling and enjoying the geology of this part of the world. This included a recent trip to Moab, Utah to visit Canyonlands and Arches, an amazing display of geology. Come see us.”
Alan Cherepon writes, “From 1991 to 1993, I worked under Alan Dutton on the Supercollider contract. Taught science for four years before joining TNRCC (now TCEQ) in 1998, where I’ve worked through 2025 to protect groundwater from pesticides. I served as President of the Austin Geological Society and the Austin Gem & Mineral Society, and co-authored 3 field trip guidebooks for the AGS.”
Chris Hendrix shares, “I’m a Staff Geologist at Crescent Energy, working South Texas.”
William I (Bill) Woods writes, “I am a retired Executive Assistant in the Department of Geological Sciences (now the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences). I have been traveling, working as Treasurer of Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association, and volunteering at the Heart Hospital of Austin. After a brief medical concern, I’m glad to report that I’m in good health and still going to the gym 3x a week. Francisco and I celebrated his mom’s 90th birthday this year in Houston, and it was a lot of fun. Friends at JSG may contact me at billw@utexas.edu. My very best to all who still remember our 21 years working together.”