The AIPG “Section Leadership” and “Lifetime Achievement” Awards from the South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists are provided for outstanding service to the organization.
2025 “Lifetime Achievement Award” SD Section AIPG
Dr. Perry H. Rahn
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) presents Dr. Perry H. Rahn with a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Rahn’s nomination letter was written by 2024-25 SD Section President Dr. J. Foster Sawyer.
2014 AIPG Section Leadership Award
Gary H. Haag
Click to read Mr. Haag’s nomination letter.
It is my pleasure to nominate Gary H. Haag, CPG-7667 for the AIPG Section Leadership Award. Mr. Haag is a long-time member and leader of the South Dakota Section of AIPG, and he exemplifies the qualities and activities that are recognized through this award.
The AIPG South Dakota Section has had a long and varied history which reflects many of the challenges that commonly confront Sections in geographically large states with relatively low populations. At one point following a steady decline in membership participation, there were only a handful of members keeping the Section active, of which Gary Haag was one. For many years Gary served in a variety of officer positions for the Section including President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Chair of several Section committees. His efforts were critical in keeping the South Dakota Section from becoming dormant, and through the efforts of Mr. Haag and a few other active members, the decline in membership and participation was reversed. Since that low point in Section activity, thanks in part to the perseverance and contributions of Mr. Haag, the AIPG South Dakota Section has recently surpassed 75 participants including CPGs, Members, Young Professional Members and Student Members. Remarkably, Gary still serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the South Dakota Section, and he continues to contribute his time and efforts for the growth and benefit of the Section. As an example, he recently participated in a multiagency effort to design, construct, and install a geologic roadside display along the route to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, and he is an active participant in almost every Section field trip, activity and meeting.
In short, Gary Haag has been a pillar of the AIPG South Dakota Section for many years, providing support and leadership under any circumstance, and he is a large factor in the success that the Section is experiencing at present. Mr. Haag embodies the ideals that are intended for recognition through this award.
Nominated by J. Foster Sawyer, CPG-10000
2010 AIPG Section Leadership Award
Gary H. Haag
Photo taken by Chris Pellowski
The inscription on the plaque reads: “Awarded to Gary Haag, CPG-7667 on April 22, 2010 by the South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists for outstanding service to the organization as President, Past President, and Secretary/Treasurer, for playing a key role in forming the Section in 1996, for continuing to organize and host the annual meetings, for assisting with summer geologic field trips, and for enthusiastically promoting the profession of geology and recruiting new members to the organization.”
South Dakota Section AIPG 