Richard A. “Dick” Baile has been selected as the 2016 Trustee Associates Service Award recipient for his long-term involvement in the Trustee Associates in furtherance of fulfilling the mission of the AAPG Foundation.
He joined the Foundation as a Trustee Associate in 1980 and has generously supported the AAPG Foundation through numerous contributions in honor and memory of his colleagues and friends. When presented with Foundation fundraising needs, he is often one of the first to respond to the requests.
“Dick Baile is one of the most respected businessmen in our industry,” shared Trustee Associates officer Rick Fritz. “He is a unifier and a strong voice, and a supporter for both the AAPG and SEG foundations.”
“He continues to be a great supporter of the Trustee Associates,” Fritz added. “I can’t think of anyone who better deserves this service award than Dick.”
A Member of the Corporation from 1977-2012, and a past recipient of the AAPG Foundation’s Chairman Award (2013), Baile has not only given monetarily to the Foundation, but has graciously given his time. His consistent attendance at meetings, even now at age 95, provides invaluable support.
Baile, an AAPG Emeritus Member, is a World War II veteran and has a degree from the University of Central Missouri. He is a long-time resident of Houston.
Grants-in-Aid Now Open
In other news, applications are now being accepted for the AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid program.
Over the past 60 years, Foundation Grants-in-Aid recipients have used research funds to support thesis work surveying lands from the Bogda Mountains of northwest China to the Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado, and many other incredible geologic wonders in between.
If your thesis research applies to petroleum, energy and mineral resources, or related environmental geology issues, you should start your application today. There are 92 grants available — $260,000 in research funds — waiting to be awarded in April 2017. Research grants range from $500 to $3,000, and chances are there could be one (or more) that fits your studies.
This scholarship program, established in 1956, is open to students in various fields of the geoscience industry, including exploration of hydrocarbons, economic sedimentary minerals, paleontology, tectonics, relevant applications of environmental geology and many more.
The application cycle is a competitive one, so get an early start on this opportunity to fund your graduate level research. Application and endorsements are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15, 2017.
Students enrolled in a geoscience master’s or doctoral program can visit foundation.aapg.org to learn more about the process and grant requirements.
Teacher of the Year Nominations
Also, nominations are now being accepted for the Teacher of the Year (TOTY) award. Funded and presented annually by the AAPG Foundation, this prestigious award is presented to a K-12 teacher who has demonstrated exceptional teaching and leadership in geoscience education within the United States.
The 2017 TOTY winner, chosen from a slate of six finalists selected by each of AAPG’s domestic Sections, will receive a $6,000 cash prize along with an expense-paid trip to AAPG’s Annual Convention and Exhibition in Houston, April 2-5.
Five runner-up finalists will receive honorable mentions and a $500 cash award.
The deadline to nominate a teacher or apply is Jan. 15, 2017.