A retirement reception is scheduled to honor Allan Ashworth, University Distinguished Professor of geosciences and James A. Meier Senior Professor, on Tuesday, April 29, at 3 p.m. in the McGovern Alumni Center Atrium. A short program will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Ashworth first came to NDSU as a visiting assistant professor in 1969, and joined the faculty in 1972.

An internationally recognized researcher and teacher in paleoecology, stratigraphy and sedimentology, Ashworth’s recent research projects involve fossils from the Quaternary of North and South America and the Miocene of Antarctica. His work was featured in the film, “Ice People;” a NOVA documentary called “Secrets Beneath The Ice;” and in Science magazine and National Geographic. The New Zealand Geographic Board recognized his many contributions when it named Antarctica’s Ashworth Glacier in his honor. In addition, he was chair of the U.S. National Committee for the International Union for Quaternary Research and vice president for the International Union for Quaternary Science.

Ashworth also is collaborating with scientists from around the globe to develop the Neotoma Paleoecology Database. He earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate in geology from the University of Birmingham, England.

If you’d like to provide a letter, special story or a photo for Ashworth to be included in his retirement book, email them to donald.schwert@ndsu.edu.

In lieu of gifts, donations are requested to the “Allan Ashworth Scholarship.” Checks can be made payable to the NDSU Development Foundation Fund #40092 and mailed either to Donald Schwert at Dept. 2745, PO Box 6050, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58108-6050 or directly to the NDSU Development Foundation at 1241 N. University Drive, Fargo, ND 58102. Online donations can be made via www.ndsualumni.com/NetCommunity/donate, designating “Other,” and then entering “Fund #40092.”

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation’s top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.