Longtime supporter and Past President of AGI, Dr. Edward C. Roy, Jr., passed away November 9, 2007.
Dr. Roy received both his B.S. in 1961 and Ph.D. in 1964 in paleontology and sedimentary geology from The Ohio State University. After receiving his degrees, he worked at Shell Oil until 1966 when he became Assistant Professor of Geology at Trinity University. He achieved rank of Professor in 1977. Roy also served Trinity as Dean of the Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, and as Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 1999 Roy became the Gertrude and Walter Pyron Distinguished Professor of Geology. At the time of his death, he was Professor of Geology Emeritus and was working part time in the Department of Education.
Dr. Roy served AGI as president in 1997, was a trustee for the AGI Foundation, and was awarded the Ian Campbell Medal and the Heroy Distinguished Service Award in 2003 by the Institute.
In addition to his involvement in AGI, Dr. Roy was active in a large number of science and professional organizations including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Geological Society of America, and SEPM.
Dr. Roy spent a large part of his career championing earth science education. He was appointed Chair of the Texas Earth Science Task Force by the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency. With his tireless dedication, earth science is now available to Texan high school students.
Dr. Robert Ridky, National Education Coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey said “Ed Roy was a professor’s professor, contributing unselfishly to advance the geosciences and geoscience education. Even after so-called “retirement,” this true gentlemen and concerned colleague worked tirelessly to re-establish earth science to its important role in the Texas curriculum. He had the professional ability and personal instincts to see the larger purposes and requirements necessary to advance one’s discipline. Such characteristics are never in abundant supply; he will be sorely missed and most fondly remembered by all of us who were privileged to know and work with him. In the most enduring of tributes, his legacy lives on in students who, because of his efforts, continue to have the opportunity to study one of the most exciting, unifying and critically important areas of science.â€
He is survived by his wife, Carol Jean and their children, MaryBeth Marsh, Christine Lammert, Edward C. Roy III, and grandchildren, Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Travis, and Megan
Tags: In Memorium