CEE Department Head John McCray was recently elected to the executive committee of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Board on Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climate (BOAC). The board’s mission is to provide federal relations for issues involving university-based programs in marine, atmospheric, and climatological sciences. BOAC representatives are chosen by their president’s office to serve. They include some of the nation's leading research and educational expertise in atmospheric, marine, and climate disciplines.

• Several Geophysics faculty were honored at the recent 2015 Society of Exploration Geophysists (SEG) annual meeting in New Orleans:

Teaching Professor Linda Battalora (PE) is the Rocky Mountain North America recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Achievement Award for Petroleum Engineering Faculty. She was nominated by her peers for this regional award. SPE’s regional awards are designed to recognize those members who’ve contributed exceptional service and leadership to the society, as well as those who’ve made major professional contributions to their technical disciplines at the regional level.

Congratulations to Tabatha Brawand, the 2015 Classified Employee of the Year. Tabatha was recognized for flawlessly executing her duties as assistant registrar as well as stepping up to provide additional service to campus outside her division, including serving as the main coordinator of the spring 2015 graduation ceremony.

The Colorado School of Mines Foundation recently hosted its annual Evening of Excellence to celebrate the generous donors and supporters of the university. University award recipients included Men’s Soccer Head Coach Frank Kohlenstein, who received the Faculty and Staff Philanthropy Award; and University Emeritus Professor David Matlock, who received the Brown Medal. The full list of award winners can be found on the Foundation web site.

Mines hosted 267 students and professionals from eight states and a Canadian providence during the Association of Intermountain Housing Officers annual resident assistant conference, RAppin, Oct. 16-18. The event caters to residence life student staff members who can discuss their campuses, programs and initiatives, and learn from other institutions through programming sessions. The conference provides opportunities for students to present, gain leadership skills and make connections with people across the region.