Then chair, Professor Haydn Murray requested the establishment of this fund in March 1984, in honor of retiring director of the Geologic Field Station in Montana, Professor Emeritus Judson Mead. Its purpose is to support students, faculty research at the Field Station, travel expenses for students, visiting faculty and scientists, and for purchasing supplies and equipment as needed. Funds are generated by the interest from an endowed capital account. Monies are not intended to be used for operation of the Field Station (maintenance, etc.). The fund is administered by the chair of the department and the director of the Geologic Field Station. Judson Mead was on the faculty from 1949-84, and was director of the Geologic Field Station from 1960-81.