Dr. Roger J. Bain Memorial Award in Geosciences

The Dr. Roger J. Bain Memorial Award in Geosciences was established in 2021 by his cherished wife, Leslie Bain, and family as a tribute to his life-long service as a professor in Geosciences. Roger had a wonderful, inquisitive mind and his enthusiasm for geology was felt by his many students. He was always excited about taking students ‘into the field’ helping them discover the geologic underpinnings of the natural world. Dr. Bain loved to encourage and mentor students who were enthusiastic about getting involved in meaningful research.

Dr. Bain earned both his bachelor’s (1962) and master’s (1964) degrees in geology at the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. (1968) in geology at Brigham Young University. He taught geology at the University of Rhode Island and the University of Virginia before landing at The University of Akron, where he taught in the Geology Department for 30 years. He ultimately served as department chair, retiring in 2000 as professor emeritus. Dr. Bain passed away in October 2020, leaving Leslie, two daughters — Cassandra Stopar and Laura Prexta — and five grandsons named Matthew, Steven, Benjamin, David and Justin. He is greatly missed, and his legacy lives on through the countless wonderful memories of family, colleagues, students and friends.

The Dr. Roger J. Bain Memorial Award in Geosciences supports expenses related to field, lab and other expenses incurred by undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Geosciences engaged in field and lab-based research. First consideration is given to students whose research is suitable for presentation at professional meetings and conferences.

Candidates should demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, financial need, character, and commitment to professional development. They may be full or part-time University of Akron students. The selected recipient(s) may use the award for field and lab-based research expenses, or other educational or professional development purposes; however, distribution for such purposes may be as a reimbursement to the recipient(s) with presentation of a receipt or receipts, or as payment made on recipient’s behalf. Awards used for these purposes may be reportable and/or taxable to the student recipients. The Department of Geosciences is responsible for selecting recipients of this award.