Suzanne Takken

Personal life Suzanne Takken was born April 25, 1925. She went to Rocky River High School and graduated in 1943. Immediately following her graduation she, like her father, enrolled in the University of Michigan where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. During her time in university she found a job assisting professor George V. Cohee with studying rock samples which led her into a career of geology. Her contributions to the report took place from 1977 to 1980. She was an active member of many geological and geoscience groups and institutions, some of which included the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and the Oklahoma City Geological Society. Takken was named president of the Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) and they created an award in her honour known as the Suzanne Takken Encourage Award (1990). This award was created to honour her work and recognize her impact as a role model and mentor for women pursuing geoscience careers.

In 1998, the year after Suzanne Takken's death, Bonnie and Dennis Smith, Ralph Espach Jr., and Robert Northcutt established the Suzanne Takken Fund. The fund is in honor of Takken and assists “women attending college in pursuit of professional careers in the geosciences” by presenting yearly grants. The first grant was awarded in 1999.

Takken had received a number of awards herself throughout the length of her career, those which include: Oklahoma City Geo Society Editor Awards (1956–1958) Oklahoma City Geo Society Appreciation Plaque (1961–1962) Association for Women Geoscientists Enhance Award (1984) AIPG Award of Recognition (1971–1972) Mobil Meritorious Service Award (1970) Oklahoma City Geo Society Certificate of Appreciation (1985) Oklahoma City Geological Society Life Membership Certificate (1982) Association of Women Geoscientists Distinguished Service Certificate (1993 and another in 1996)