Professor George Thompson was awarded the Penrose Medal, from Geological Society of America. The Penrose is the highest award of the GSA and, according to Professor Mary Zoback, part of the Penrose committee: "The Penrose Medal is such a fitting and crowning achievement for George's many scientific contributions, for his scientific integrity leant to many important national studies, and for his steadfast support and encouragement for so many students whose lives he has touched and changed forever". The Penrose Medal was established in 1927 by R.A.F. Penrose, Jr., to be awarded in recognition of eminent research in pure geology, for outstanding original contributions or achievements that mark a major advance in the science of geology. The award is made only at the discretion of the Council, which interprets pure geology to apply to all scientific disciplines represented by the Society. Nominees, represented by the Council, may or may not be members of the Society, and may be from any nation. Penrose's sole objective in making the gift was to encourage original work in purely scientific geology. Scientific achievements should be considered rather than contributions in teaching, administration, or service. Past Stanford winners include: 2004 Gary Ernst 1991 Bill Dickinson