Gift To Provide Expansion of Geosciences Program

A family tradition of altruism and loyalty to Midwestern State University continues with a gift made in memory of Mr. Robert L. Bolin. The gift will enable the university to expand its geosciences program to include petroleum geology. Funds will be used to establish the Robert L. Bolin Distinguished Professor of Petroleum Geology and to equip a geophysical laboratory and purchase research equipment. A portion of the gift also will be used to help in the construction of a field research station at the Dalquest Desert Research Station located in the Trans-Pecos region.

The establishment of the Robert L. Bolin Distinguished Professor of Petroleum Geology will allow the university to hire an additional faculty member in geology and offer new courses and field work experiences for students in the geosciences. "The goal is to expand the number of geology graduates and to prepare them to enter today's sophisticated world of developing the nation's petroleum resources," said MSU President Jesse Rogers.

Bolin joined his father, D.H., in Bolin Oil Company in 1948. He later formed R.L. Bolin Properties. The family remains active in the oil business and continues to operate R.L. Bolin Properties, with offices in Wichita Falls and Midland.

In August 1977 the Board of Regents approved naming the science building Bolin Science Hall in recognition of the support provided to the university by Mr. and Mrs. D. Houston Bolin. Today, Bolin Science Hall houses programs in biology, chemistry, clinic laboratory science, computer science, geosciences, and mathematics.

Commenting on the gift, Rogers added, "The gift will benefit Midwestern State and generations of students and strengthen the geology program in a region with a rich tradition of oil and gas development."