Dr Hinze honored by Geological Society of America

09-06-2016

Writer(s): Logan Judy

Dr. Bill Hinze, EAPS Professor Emeritus, has been named recipient of the 2016 George P. Woollard Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of geophysics.

The annual award’s namesake was a Distinguished Professor of Geophysics at the University of Wisconsin, the same university where Dr. Hinze received his Ph.D. To Dr. Hinze, the fact that the award is named after Dr. Woollard is what makes it so special.

“I was Dr. Woollard’s first undergraduate there, and he was my Ph.D. advisor,” Dr. Hinze said. “In addition, I presented the first Woollard Award as Chair of the Geophysics Division 33 years ago. So you can see that the award has special meaning to me.”

Dr. Hinze first came to EAPS in 1972, became Professor Emeritus in 1997, and has remained an active supporter of the geosciences ever since.  During his academic career, he was the major professor for nearly one hundred graduate students. Looking back at his career, the success of his students is what Dr. Hinze appreciated the most.

“Special awards are meaningful and a pleasure to achieve. However, considering my role in academia the most rewarding aspect of my career is watching the professional and personal progress of my students,” he said. “Seeing them flourish and take very special roles in their profession and society is the most rewarding aspect of my career.”

The award will be formally presented at the Geological Society of American Annual Meeting on Sept. 26, after a special session in Dr. Hinze’s honor the preceding day. Dr. Hinze will also present a paper for the Woollard Award Lecture, which is entitled, “Cracking a Continent.”