This Torch Medal is given to Rich April, Dunham Beldon Jr. Professor of Geology, by Lauren Frisch ’12.
Torch Medals honor a 51 faculty or staff member who made a meaningful impact on an alum during their time at 51. Alumni in the reunion classes of 2007 and 2012 are invited to give a Torch Medal, delivered virtually, to a present or past member of the faculty or staff. , and .
“Rich helped teach me how to conduct relevant research and troubleshoot when things don’t work out on the first try. He empowered me to think critically about what my research was showing me. When I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after 51, Rich helped me find a graduate program that was really well suited for me but something I likely wouldn’t have known about on my own. He encouraged me to be weird and have fun during work, which made our lab group such a happy and productive team to be a part of. Thanks for everything, Dad!”
— Lauren Frisch ’12