“Always there has been an adventure just around the corner – and the world is still full of corners.”
~ Roy Chapman Andrews
Membership & Financial Support
Due to the COVID-19, fundraising usually associated with the DEA in-person event, we are asking individuals attending the free award presentation and lecture to consider a tax-deductible donation or membership to help sustain the Society in the efforts to continue this prestigious event and student programs that inspire scientific discovery and exploration.
Members will have exclusive access to a private “Meet & Greet” with Dr. Parcak immediately following the free public acceptance lecture.
Student Sponsors
Larry & Karen Arft
Jim & Helen Olson
Joe & Dawn Stadelman
Tom & Mim Warren
The Neese Family Foundation
John & Becky Wong
Patron Sponsors
Gary & Vicki Dencker
John & Michele Erikson
Deana Fahn-Johnson & Troy Johnson
Finley Buick GMC
Dick Gerhard
Charles & Prudy Harker
Tom & Marline Holmes
Steve Lekson – 2011 Distinguished Explorer Award recipient
Elisabeth Magnus
Carol Mankiewicz & Carl Mendelson
Bill Mathis
Jim and Jeanie Rippl
Celestino & Emily Ruffini
Jerry & Connie Sveum
Steve Vavrus & Susan Swanson
The Distinguished Explorer Award
Presented to an explorer/scientist in honor of one of the 20th century’s most acclaimed explorers, Roy Chapman Andrews (1884-1960).
The award, designed by noted regional artist O.V. Shaffer recognizes outstanding achievements in scientific discovery through explorations that offer new insights into previously unknown or poorly known subjects or areas.
Roy Chapman Andrews Society Distinguished Explorers
Sarah Parcak | 2021
Egyptology, Space Archaeology
Neil Shubin | 2019
Paleontology, Evolutionary Biology
Richard Alley | 2018
Geology, Climate Science
Wade Davis | 2017
Cultural Anthropology, Ethnobotany
Alan Rabinowitz | 2016
Zoology, Conservation, Field Biology
Edith Widder | 2015
Deep-sea Exploration, Bioluminescence
Meg Lowman | 2014
Canopy Ecology
John Grotzinger | 2013
Mars Curiosity Expedition
Nathan Wolfe | 2012
Virology, Microbiology
Steve Lekson | 2011
Archaeology, Ancient Native American Societies
Sylvia Earle | 2010
Marine Biology, Oceanic Expeditions
Paul Sereno | 2009
Paleontology
Mark Moffett| 2008
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Ellen & Lonnie Thompson | 2007
Paleoclimatology
Steve Squyres | 2006
Planetary Science, Mars Rover Mission
Robert Ballard | 2005
Oceanography, Maritime Archaeology (Titanic)
Mark Plotkin | 2004
Ethnobotany, Tropical Rainforest Conservation
Michael Novacek | 2003
Paleontology
Roy Chapman Andrews in Mongolia
Fossil Hunting in the Gobi – Shelf Life 360
Dinosaur Hunter?
The Roy Chapman Andrews Society
The Roy Chapman Andrews Society was formed in 1999 by a group of Beloit, Wisconsin residents intent on building more awareness of one of the 20th Century’s most famous explorers.
Since Roy Chapman Andrews was born and raised in Beloit, it was only fitting that such a society exist in his hometown.
“Alright. It’s decided then.
We’ve selected our next RCA Distinguished Explorer. Alert the press!”