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F.M. Fryxell
Through his efforts the geology collections were expanded and display cases were purchased or constructed. Today, after three moves and many changes, the Fryxell Geology Museum is a great source of educational materials and specimens for current students of geology at Augustana. |
Fritiof M. Fryxell, a 1922 Augustana graduate, was named as the first
chair of the Department of Geology when it was formed in 1929. Fryxell,
with a Master's degree in English from the University of Illinois and a
Ph.D. in geology from the University of Chicago, recognized the importance
of the natural sciences in a liberal education. Today, he is well known
for his research in the Tetons of Wyoming and for his help in the establishment
of Grand Teton National Park. 
Although Fryxell held many professional interests
which often kept him out of the classroom, Augustana was always "home"
to him. It was his hard work and dedication which brought about the expansion
of geology, and in fact all the sciences, at Augustana.