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Thomas Laudon spent the better part of his career as a geology educator at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Laudon died Jan. 1, 2017. Before his death, Laudon “lived a life of adventure and exploration that took him to every continent on Earth,” as his obituary states.

Laudon on Tagish Lake in the Yukon

Laudon on Tagish Lake in the Yukon

Prior to his death and due to the Laudon family connection to, and history with the UWO geology department, the Laudon Family Geology Field Camp Scholarship at UW Oshkosh was created. The scholarship supports deserving students with financial need to attend the annual Geology Field Camp, which exposes geology students to a wide variety of rock types and geologic settings. Professor Laudon taught Geology Field Camp for 35 years through a eight week trip to the Canadian Rockies and the Yukon Territory.

“This course is the capstone course in the curriculum and is internationally known and respected,” Bill Mode, geology department professor and chair, said.

Following his retirement from UW Oshkosh in 1997, Laudon continued to teach Field Camp for two more summers. He also organized and led three continuing education geological treks in the Himalayas and served as geological guru on six cruise ship voyages to Antarctica.

During his 34 years with the geology department on campus, Laudon received the UW Oshkosh Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997 and the James F. Duncan Research Award in 1981. He served as department chair from 1969 to 1972. Laudon also served as a fellow of the Geological Society of America.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Laudon early in my career at UW Oshkosh. It didn’t take long to learn about his dedication to students and his successes as a teacher and geologist,” College of Letters and Science Dean John Koker said. “I will always remember his welcoming disposition and his willingness to mentor young faculty such as myself.”

A memorial reception will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at TJ’s Harbor, 7098 Highway 45, Oshkosh.

Memorial donations can be directed to the Laudon Family Geology Field Camp Scholarship at the UW Oshkosh Foundation, 625 Pearl Ave. Oshkosh, WI 54901 or online.

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