Surprise is not easily achieved, especially when dealing with a savvy oil finder like Dr. William “Bill” Bosworth. But surprised he was when named winner of the 2015 James A. Hartman Service to Students Award at the student reception June 1 during ACE Denver. Once on stage, Bosworth’s longtime colleague and Africa Region President, David Blanchard, illustrated Bosworth’s tireless commitment to students with humorous anecdotes from years of working together in Egypt. Then Bryant Fulk, Student Chapter Committee Chair, read the award citation honoring Bosworth.
For the past 15 years despite not having any “official” title, Bill was the critical link between students and young professionals (YPs) in North Africa and the AAPG Africa Region. Later as Egypt Delegate to the AAPG House of Delegates and now as Africa Region President-elect (2015-17), he continues to be the rallying point for students and YPs in Egypt and across North Africa. Bill not only provides guidance, mentorship and leadership, but also helps to organize field trips and facilitate networking events for students and early-career professionals.
When Bill arrived in Egypt in 2005 for his second tour of work, there were zero student chapters. After only a few years, the AAPG Student Chapter count in Egypt is 15. As an example of his leadership from the 2011 IBA competition, when Internet and cell phones were blocked during the protests in North Africa resulting in a nationwide communication blackout, Bill’s Apache office became the unofficial IBA data download and logistics center. With his efforts and those of the Africa Region leadership, the Egyptian team was not only able to participate in the IBA regional event, they took 1st Place honors in Africa earning the privilege of representing the Region at that year’s ACE. Going to Morocco to collect their US visa, the Egyptian IBA team arrived in Long Beach, California on Friday night and presented to the IBA Judges on Saturday.
An avid field geologist, Bill has organized and led numerous field trips across Egypt for the next generation of energy finders including trips to the Western and Eastern Deserts, Gulf of Suez, Sinai, and Red Sea, focusing on hydrocarbon exploration in continental rifts.
A quiet but tireless worker, Bill indeed is a rallying point for AAPG in North Africa.
Later, Bryant Fulk said it this way, “Bill Bosworth epitomizes the best qualities of AAPG Student Chapter supporters who volunteer for the intrinsic value of helping young people around the world find their career vocation”.
“It was a great opportunity this year for AAPG to recognize the efforts of one of our international volunteers and professionals who helps to bring the Student Chapter Committee’s vision to fruition”, added Fulk.
The James A. Hartman Service to Students Award, established in 2006, honors those members whose support of students deserves recognition. The award is named after James A. Hartman, the principal founder of AAPG student chapters, the first chair of the student chapter committee, and a devout supporter of the program. This award commemorates Mr. Hartman’s legacy and is the most prestigious award given by the AAPG Student Chapter Committee.