Growing up in the arid landscape of Richland, Washington, hundreds of miles and a mountain range away from the nearest ocean, may seem an unlikely start for a man who would become a leading expert in marine geology and coastal conservation.
But Orrin Pilkey was destined to be a pioneer. With his insatiable curiosity and an education in geology from then-Washington State College, he traveled to the edges of land and sea and launched a new field of science to improve life in both environments.
“Throughout his 65‑year career as a researcher, educator, mentor, and advocate, Dr. Orrin Pilkey has made numerous outstanding contributions to the field of marine geology and to coastal preservation,” said Todd Butler, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “In addition to his positive impact on his discipline, he embodies the outcome of what we strive to accomplish as a college and university: a curious, life-long learner who integrates knowledge from many domains to address complex, real-world problems and issues.”
This year, Pilkey (BS Geology ’57) received the WSU Alumni Association’s Alumni Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor, in recognition of his distinguished research and education in coastal geology and his public service in policy development and education to preserve America’s coastal resources.