Presentation of The Paleontological Society Medal to Malcolm C. McKenna

Extract

I have the great pleasure to be the citationist for presentation of the 1992 Paleontological Society Medal to Dr. Malcolm C. McKenna. Malcolm McKenna has had a profound influence on our profession, both as a research scientist and a mentor. He is one of the most broadly trained and interested scientists I know, and he has a consuming passion for learning. He loves all aspects of paleontology—field work, literature, laboratory analysis of specimens, theory, even fossil preparation (in his enthusiasm to uncover critical specimens, or trusting only himself to perform delicate preparation of unique fossils). Malcolm has never been afraid to propose controversial ideas, to change his mind when wrong, to tackle problems that others consider insoluble, or to incorporate new scientific techniques in his work before others realize their significance.