The R. K. M. "Bob Dickson Prize
Who was R. K. M. “Bob” Dickson?
On July 17, 1953, 37 NROTC midshipmen from colleges around the country (11 from Rice) were traveling to Norfolk, Virginia to complete a summer training cruise. The midshipmen were to fly from Corpus Christi, Texas to the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida before refueling and resuming the trip to Norfolk. Around midnight, the students boarded the plane in Whiting Field, located north of Pensacola. Shortly after the twin-engine marine transport plane took off, a mechanical failure caused it to dip downward and crash into a row of trees. The fuel tanks exploded as the plane crashed into a barn and parked cars. Robert “Bob” Dickson ’55 perished in the incident.
Bob Dickson was an electrical engineering student. He was the roommate of H. deForest Ralph, Jr. ‘56. After graduation, deForest and his wife, Martha, moved to El Paso, Texas, where deForest worked at Chevron’s refinery. El Paso was Bob Dickson's hometown and the Ralphs became good friends with Bob's parents and younger sister, Dale Dickson. During one of many conversations with Bob's father, deForest learned that Bob had been planning to become an Episcopal priest after he finished his Navy obligations. This fit well with the character and actions that deForest had observed while they were roommates. Bob Dickson displayed an attitude of service, not only through his commitment to the service of his country, but also in what he said, in the opinions that he expressed, and the way he lived his life. This attitude of service and the need to be open to service opportunities was made explicit by the reality of his loss and has been an influence in deForest's life.
What is the purpose of the prize?
The goals of the prize are to honor Robert “Bob”Dickson and to encourage undergraduate students of the George R. Brown School of Engineering to look for opportunities to utilize their skills and talents on societal needs. The prize is designed to encourage students to view their talents and skills, particularly in their engineering discipline, as unique resources to bear on societal problems throughout their lives. The intent of the competition for the prize is to stimulate students to be aware of this aspect of being a professional and of its being a part of the responsibilities that accompany the respect that society bestows upon professionals.
What is the prize amount?
The prize amount is $1,500. The winner must use the money within one year of award and must present and issue a final report to the Dean’s Office and REA Board of Directors after completion of the proposed project.
Who can apply for the prize?
To be considered for the prize, an individual must possess the following qualifications:
* Enrollment in any one of the undergraduate programs of Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering
* Demonstrated leadership as evidenced by academic accomplishments and other voluntary activities
