UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jerry Berkebile, president of Augustin Exploration LLC, in Midland, Texas, is the 2023 recipient of the Colleen Swetland Alumni Achievement Award given by the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Graduates of EMS (GEMS) Board of Directors.
Berkebile, a 1977 Penn State graduate in petroleum and natural gas engineering, was chosen for his commitment to improving the careers of alumni, his dedication to serving the University and his efforts to improve the education of current students. The award was renamed in honor of Colleen Swetland, longtime assistant director of alumni relations, who retired in 2021.
“I am honored to receive this award, especially because it is named after Colleen Swetland, who served the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences so well for so many years,” Berkebile said. “It has been rewarding to work with many outstanding individuals from the faculty, staff and fellow alumni. The highlight to me, though, has been my opportunity to meet and talk with so many bright and talented Penn State students who have decided to pursue energy careers.”
Nominators said Berkebile has valuable experience to share with students in the John and Willie Leone Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME). His experience in technical and leadership positions within a larger company as well as succeeding as an entrepreneur launching his own exploration companies greatly benefits EMS students, nominators said.
Berkebile assists with a capstone experience — the Energy Crisis Leadership Challenge — the final project for an energy business and finance course in EME. Berkebile speaks in the classroom and, during the final challenge, helps play the role of a irate company board member who "grills" teams of students. He also serves on EME’s external advisory board.
“Since joining the board, Berkebile has been quite active in shaping the board’s thinking,” said Shree Vikas, director of market intelligence and business analysis at ConocoPhillips and past chair of the EME external advisory board. “His knowledge of the industry, experience as an entrepreneur, and his deep insights to energy issues helped in several of our stimulating discussions, debates and recommendations. He has advanced our thinking in energy transition, and he served as a key member of the committee in thinking outside the box for new ideas to help students and young alumni succeed in their careers.”
Berkebile is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association and belongs to the EMS Obelisk Society. He is the 2023 recipient of the C. Drew Stahl Distinguished Achievement Award in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering.
Nominators said he goes out of his way to mentor Penn State graduates in the Midland, Texas, area. He hosts get-togethers and advocates on behalf of them to Penn State.
Berkebile has spent more than 40 years in the oil and gas industry. His experience includes 25 years at Marathon Oil in various management and engineering positions. After taking early retirement from Marathon, he founded or partnered in several start-ups, including Augustin Exploration in 2016 and a re-start of Element Petroleum in 2010. He earned his master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Louisiana.