Stephen Kesler, professor of geology, has been selected by the Society of Economic Geologists to receive the 2006 Penrose Gold Medal, the society's highest honor. The award is presented in recognition of a full career of unusually original work in the earth sciences. Kesler, a past-president of the society, internationally is acclaimed for his research and numerous publications on the geology, geochemistry and origin of economic mineral deposits. The award will be presented at the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America in Denver in October.

The 2007 La Celebración Latina planning committee and the Latina/o U-M graduates are honoring Robert Ortega, associate professor of social work, with the Circle Award. This award acknowledges that Ortega has made "a significant impact on the quality of student life at the University of Michigan by contributing knowledge and guidance to Latino students." He will receive the award at the Latina/o commencement at 8 p.m. Friday, April 27 at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre.