John E. Willson Distinguished Alumnus Award

The John E. Willson Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2000 to recognize graduates of the University of Utah’s Mining Engineering Program who have set high standards by their professional accomplishments and service to the mining industry.

The award is named in honor of Professor John E. Willson Prof. Willson. He was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and led a distinguished career as an engineer in industry, as a teacher, and as an advisor and consultant. He was widely recognized for his knowledge of coal mining, keen insight, analytical approach, and ability to solve practical problems. His many accomplishments in these areas were acknowledged by the Colorado School of Mines when it bestowed on him the DistinguishedAchievement Medal in May of 1975. He devoted his professional career to his students and to building a strong and viable mining engineeringprogram at the University of Utah. He promoted cooperation and mutual respect between industry and the College of Mines and Earth Sciences. Through his personal efforts and stewardship, the Jackling, Browning, and McKinnon funds are now available to the Department of Mining Engineering. These funds have played an important role in strengthening the Mining Engineering Program at the University of Utah and helped place it among the top mining schools in the United States. John was a teacher, mentor, advisor, and friend to his students. Many recognize his contributions in providing students “. . . with a wide range of engineering skills, the knowledge of fundamental theories, a diversity of thought, and the mechanics of practical application that allowed them to immediately compete with peers in the mining industry.” His accomplishments include community involvement, stalwart defense of the mining engineering program, and devotion to his wife Alberta and their two children Dolores and Joyce.