Geologist to give fall commencement address

Dr. Stanley R. Riggs, an award-winning geologist and member of the Department of Geology faculty, has been chosen to deliver the address at the fall commencement on Dec. 13.

About 2,000 degree candidates will be recognized at the ceremony, which will begin at 10 a.m. at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. In case of inclement weather, commencement will be moved to Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.

Riggs joined ECU in 1967 as one of five faculty members hired to develop a new program in geology.

In 1983, he received the prestigious O.Max Gardner award from the UNC Board of Governors. In 1994, he was the first recipient of the lifetime honor of dDistinguished Professor of the College of Arts and Sciences for “stellar achievements in teaching/advising, research/creative productivity and professional service.”

He is the author of 13 books and monographs, 32 book chapters and 50 journal articles, and he has obtained more than 60 research grants valued at $3.7 million, mostly from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and various state agencies. His current research deals with sea-level changes that have taken place during recent earth history.

He holds a BA degree from Beloit College in Wisconsin, the MA from Dartmouth College and a PhD from the University of Montana.