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CSUN Geological Sciences Professor Emeritus Receives
Distinguished Educator Award

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., April 27, 2007) — Cal State Northridge professor emeritus of geological sciences, A. Eugene Fritsche, received the Grover E. Murray Memorial Distinguished Educator Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).

First given in 1995, there are now 37 recipients of the award in the United States, Canada and Europe. Fritsche is one of two winners recognized for the first time from a west coast university in the U.S. He was given the honor earlier this month at the AAPG National Convention in Long Beach.

"Dr. Fritsche took us all on and demanded more of us than we were willing to give, but at the same time it was obvious to all that he still demanded more of himself than he did of us," said former Northridge geology student Don Clarke, who supported the nomination for Fritsche to receive the award. "I picked up the tools that I needed to become a successful geologist."

Attracted to CSUN due to the ideal climate and local geology necessary to his work, Fritsche published volumes of research and teaching materials in his career of 37 years as a successful teacher and geologist.

"Field geology was where I found my true calling. To be able to go into the field and ‘read’ the rocks like books, and like a detective, determine the organization and history of those rocks, is truly a satisfying experience," said Fritsche.

Fritsche continues to be actively involved with geology, geological societies and community service.

"Good teachers and role models were always present in my life. I do not know if it was luck, fate or divine intervention that made this so," said Fritsche, "but certainly, I have been blessed with more than the average amount of good fortune in this life."

This led to his philosophy that community and charitable services should be a form of payment for the good fortune experienced in life.

"Many of his past students have emulated that philosophy by giving time to their communities and professional societies," said Clarke.

The AAPG is a national organization of petroleum geologists established in 1967. The Murray Memorial award is presented annually for contributions to the teaching of students, guidance of student research, research and scientific publications, university and community activities and involvement in the activities of scientific/professional organizations.