On November 2, 2012, Professor Emeritus Carl Benson was the first recipient of the new Roger Smith Lifetime Achievement Award. Benson’s sustained commitment to the Geophysical Institute and research success are a model worth emulation. Benson’s award was presented by longtime friend and colleague Professor Emeritus Glenn Shaw at the Annual Banquet held at the Westmark Gold Room.

Shaw’s sweeping presentation included background on Benson’s monumental work on ice fog, research on Mount Wrangell and his support to faculty and students over the many years he’s been associated with the GI. After humbly accepting the award, Benson led the crowd in a rendition of “Ice is nice,” a song traditionally sung at GI holiday events that was penned by the scientist.

Geophysical Institute Director Bob McCoy created the Roger Smith Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 to honor the institute’s previous director, Roger Smith. The award will be presented yearly to a GI faculty member for “sustained commitment” to the GI.

Photo of Benson by Lynda McGilvary.