David Wiltschko, professor of Geology and Geophysics in the College of Geosciences, passed away on March 2, 2012. Dave was 62.

"David was one of those unique combinations of scholar and gentleman who had a positive influence on all who came in contact with him. We will no longer have the chance to discuss geological problems with Dave nor experience his humor, nevertheless, his professional legacy will live on through the outstanding students Dave mentored throughout his career. Dave was a highly regarded member of the geology and geophysics family at Texas A&M and his humor, gentleness and sage advice will be missed by all," said Rick Giardino, department head of Geology and Geophysics.

Wiltschko was a dedicated researcher, teacher and mentor who taught everything from introductory geology courses to graduate-level classes in applied and structural geology. He research concentrated on the structural geology of collisional mountain belts, including fault processes, origin of regions of thrust sense reversal, mechanisms of how rock constituents in thrust sheets respond to stress in structural environments. His conducted fieldwork into thrust formations throughout the southern and western states and in Taiwan.

During his career at Texas A&M, he held the Michel T. Halbouty Chair in Geology and served as director and associate director of the Center for Tectonophysics. He began his career at the University of Michigan before coming to Texas A&M in 1986. He was named full professor in 1994.

"Dave was an outstanding professor and researcher," said Kate Miller, dean of the College of Geosciences. "But most important, he was a geuine colleague whose enthusiasm for his work and his students made him fun to be around."

His graduate degrees are from Brown University, and he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester.

A memorial event to recognize David's contributions to the discipline and the department is being planned.