Project Description
Thomas E. Berg died in a helicopter crash in 1969 as he was beginning the final year of a 10-year long
investigation of patterned-ground phenomena in Antarctica. Thomas, a 1951 graduate of Onalaska High
School served in the Navy for two years as a radar man in the Pacific area and then graduated from the
University of Wisconsin in 1957. He was expected to earn his Ph.D in geology from UW in 1971.
Thomas frequently led field parties in Antarctica to measure the growth of several hundred ice and sand
wedges as well as collecting soil samples. In 1961, he was a member of the wintering-over party at
McMurdo Station. In 1965 he joined the Research Council of Alberta. As a research officer, he
conducted investigations on the surficial deposits of the Medicine Hat area, engaged in permafrost
research in Alberta and studied the geology of the City of Edmonton. He also participated in the Steele
Glacier Expedition to the Yukon in 1967-68.
Thomas was known as an exceptional field worker with an untiring enthusiasm, perseverance, and
positive spirit under trying conditions. Berg Peak and a field station in Antarctica are both named in his
honor.
Induction Classification: Class of 1951
Induction Year: 2017
WHO WILL BE INDUCTED NEXT?
Nominations for the Wall of Excellence are accepted every year in the spring. Past nominations that have not been inducted can be nominated for consideration. There can be up to three inductees per year. The induction ceremonies are held in the fall as part of the homecoming festivities.
Calling All Onalaska Alumni! Send Us Your Updated Contact Info!
The Alumni Association partners with Onalaska High School to keep updated records of alumni. This helps individual classes with connecting for class reunions as well as the All-Class Reunion held every three years. Click on the button to send us your updated contact information.
