Department of Geology

News

Dr. Kees DeJong, professor in the Department of Geology, died November 6, 2008. He joined the University of Cincinnati faculty in 1970 after receiving his doctorate from Universiteit Utrecht, Netherlands. He specialized in structural geology and tectonics and conducted research in the Western U.S., South America, Europe, and the Himalayas, but was particularly interested in the geology of Northern Mexico and of Pakistan. He directed an NSF-funded project with the Pakistan Geological Survey preparing a geologic atlas of the country based on satellite imagery. Numerous masters and doctoral students worked with him on the fault dynamics of Northern Mexico and in Pakistan. He was a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher and an innovator; the first member of the faculty to bring a PC into the Geology Department and use web-based imagery in his classes. He incorporated web-page preparation training and projects into his courses.

Kees held numerous positions in the department during his tenure and was instrumental in efforts to incorporate computer-based learning in its programs. He led the effort to establish the electronic database of the Willis G. Meyer Map Library. He initiated the purchase of the department’s first data server and established its first teaching computer lab. He worked with the College of Education to establish a set of courses for teachers of earth science.

Kees was an active and proud member of the AAUP. He was co-founder of the informal "Dutch lunch" program that brought Dutch speakers from around the campus together for a weekly luncheon at which Dutch was spoken. Inspired by the Rev. Maurice McCracken, Kees worked actively on a number of social justice and peace projects, including Justice Watch and programs promoting home ownership in poor communities. He was an active member of the PCNG, the Prostate Cancer Networking Group, establishing its website as a vehicle for mutual support and information. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Kees was a dear and valued colleague in the department of Geology, the University of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati community. He will be sorely missed.