Why I Accepted the Invitation to be a Candidate for an AAPG Office
By W.C. “Rusty” Riese

My writings and presentations usually focus on technical content, not explicitly on me, so I find it a bit discomfiting to talk about myself in answering this question. First, that’s how I was raised: My folks taught me that if someone asks for help, you should do what you can to provide it. In this case, it was the AAPG making the request. Beyond that, but just as importantly, there are a number of people who have supported and guided and mentored me throughout my career who all share the view expressed by one person in particular. That gentleman and his family took me into their home when I became ill during my first summer internship, and at the end of the summer, when I told him that I hoped I could repay him some day, he just laughed. “You just pass it on” was his charge to me. So that’s why I do the things I do … it’s why I accepted this invitation and why I’m on this slate before you.

I’ve been fortunate throughout my professional career to be able to live in two worlds, with one foot in industry and one in academia. That opportunity has provided many opportunities for me to tell new generations of geologists the same thing: “Pass it on.” I hope that is what you will see when you read through my biographical information.

While I can’t know why the Nomination and Executive committees decided I should be asked to stand, I will guess that my diverse experiences in our science, in academia and in two years each on the Distinguished Lecture ethics circuit and as vice president-Sections have given me a background, which is important to the debates our profession and society are facing today. I am pleased that my experiences in teaching and public speaking have given me the tools to potentially help with both public education and outreach within AAPG.

Just as importantly, I have learned through my career experiences that it is usually more important to listen to what people are saying than to yield to the compulsion to speak. Only then can fears be addressed and allayed, and certainly only then can one hear what is actually being said, what suggestions are being offered and what recommendations are being made. That is the way to assure that the best possible alternatives are implemented.

Beyond that, if elected I hope to use the platform the position provides to encourage vigorous dialog across the Association on one hand, and between the members and their communities on the other; to encourage the practice and dissemination of science; and to advance the formation of more effective linkages across the many diverse elements of our Association.

Thank you for taking the time to become familiar with my background and for participating in this election process.