"Dr. M. Lee Allison was the Arizona State Geologist and previously served as State Geologist of Kansas and Utah. He was a leader who not only had a vision for the future but who knew how to advance it by drawing together the talents of many others. His innate ability to empower others may have been his greatest strength. His interests had a broad span, from structural geology and tectonics to geothermal energy, mining, natural hazards and the broad advancement of science as a respected discipline with much to add to society. Lee was also a leader in Geoinformatics and was active in this on a global scale. In all he did, Lee was committed to science in public service and strived to make a difference. The Department of Geosciences at UMass Amherst, from which Lee received his doctoral degree, has established the M. Lee Allison Memorial Fund. This fund will be used annually to recognize an outstanding graduate student with strong demonstrated potential in leadership, research and, most importantly, an interest in science for public service."
The UMass Geoscience Department recognized his scientific and organizational achievements with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009. His passing is a tragic loss to the profession, society, and to his numerous friends and colleagues, many from this department.
Donations to the Lee Allison Memorial Fund can be sent to:
Department of Geosciences,
Morrill Building, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst, MA 01003.
Online donations can be made here. The donation website link will take you to a page where you can simply put Lee Allison Fund in the "Special gift Instructions” box.
If you have questions, please email office@geo.umass.edu or call 413-545-2286.