Missouri Speleological Survey

J Harlen Bretz Award

This award is to be conferred on individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of speleology in the state of Missouri.  This award is to be awarded by the Missouri Speleological Survey.

Guidelines:

• The purpose of the J Harlen Bretz Award is to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of speleology in the state of Missouri. 

• This award should not be awarded for an individual’s administrative or political achievements in the organization.

• Therefore, those areas of individual achievement should reflect:
  • An individual’s contributions in locating, exploration, conservation, and promoting scientific research projects in Missouri caves.
  • Promoting a cooperative attitude during speleological pursuits.
  • Maintaining a professional attitude amongst other Missouri speleologists.
  • Promoting the goals and objectives of the Missouri Speleological Survey to the general public, fellow speleologists and other interested parties.

• The award does not need to be given on an annual basis, nor will it be limited to only once a year.  When awarded , the J Harlen Bretz Award should be presented at the Spring Meeting or as selected by the MSS Board of Directors.

Past Recipients

Jerry Vineyard – 1977

Al Quamen – 1977

Kenneth C. Thompson – 1978

Thomas Aley – 1979

Eugene Gardner – 1988

Scott House – 1988

Jonathon Beard – 1992

Joe Walsh – 1993

Robert L. Taylor – 1994

Pam Saberton – 1996

Oz Hawskley – 1998

Don Rimbach – 1998

Jeffery “Spike” Crews – 2006

Paul Hauck – 2017

Michael Sutton – 2017

Susan Hagan – 2017

Ben Miller – 2022

Bob Lerch – 2022

Ken Grush – 2023

Tony Schmitt – 2025