Honorary Membership

Honorary Membership is the highest award the AAC has to offer. It is given to those individuals who have had a lasting and highly significant impact on the advancement of the climbing craft. The AAC is proud to recognize the following individuals:

The Robert Hicks Bates Award

Robert Hicks Bates, a renowned explorer, alpinist, Peace Corp director and educator, accomplished numerous first ascents in Alaska and was a member of the American expeditions to K2 in 1938 and 1953. His literary contributions describing the K2 expeditions and his life of adventure in the mountains inspired young American climbers. He served the American Alpine Club in many capacities: member of the editorial board of the American Alpine Journal, Board member, President and Honorary President. Above all, he devoted his life to promoting the education and development of American youth through his years as a teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy, service with the Peace Corp, and other endeavors.

To recognize his many contributions to American mountaineering and education of our nation's youth, the American Alpine Club established the "Robert Hicks Bates Award" for outstanding accomplishment by a young climber. It is to recognize a young climber who in the judgment of the selection committee has demonstrated exceptional skill and character in the climbing or mountaineering arts and has outstanding promise for future accomplishment.

Recipients of the Robert Hicks Bates Award:

• Freddie Wilkinson 2007
• Colin Haley 2006
• David Graham 2004
• Josh Wharton 2003
• Brian McMahon 2003
• Jonathan Copp 2000
• Lisa Rands 2000
• Chris McNamara 1999
• Tommy Caldwell 1998
• Beth Rodden 1998
• Stephanie Davis 1997
• Jeff Hollenbaugh 1997
• Kathleen M. Brown 1996
• Chris Sharma 1996

The David R. Brower Conservation Award

David R. Brower, an active alpinist and member of the famed 10th Mountain Division with over seventy first ascents from Shiprock to the Sierra Nevada, was a pioneer in the environmental movement in this country and abroad. He was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in conservation. Brower was the first Executive Director of the Sierra Club, founder of Friends of the Earth, and serves as Chairman of Earth Island Institute. His commitment to conservation contributed substantially to the establishment of sound global environmental practices. Brower was a lifetime member of the AAC and served as the organization's Vice President from 1956-58.

The David R.Brower Award, created in 1991, is an annual award recognizing leadership and commitment to preserving mountain regions worldwide. The awardee, whose active personal role deserves public recognition, has made an important difference as a pathfinder, innovator and on the ground contributor who has motivated others to take action.

Recipients of the David Brower Award:

The Angelo Heilprin Citation

It was through the dedicated efforts of Angelo Heilprin that The American Alpine Club was founded. In May 1901, he and twelve others met in Philadelphia to draft the objects of the proposed association. In March 1902, the AAC was formally organized; Angelo Heilprin was elected the first Vice President of the Club.

The Angelo Heilprin Citation was established by the American Alpine Club in 1976. It is awarded annually to that person who has, in the opinion of the citation committee, shown exemplary service to the club. It is specifically understood that service to the club itself can be differentiated from outstanding mountaineering accomplishment or service through the club to the climbing community. The purpose of this citation is to recognize those who have worked to maintain and strengthen the organization and thus further its ability to serve its fundamental purposes.

The selection committee is appointed annually by the president and is charged with preparing an appropriate presentation at the Annual Dinner.

The recipients of the Citation are:

• Doug Colwell 2007
• Bill Atkinson 2006
• Virginia Boucher 2005
• Greg Sievers 2004
• Linda McMillan 2003
• Louis F. Reichardt 2002
• Eliza P. Moran 2000
• Verne Reed 1999
• Glenn E. Porzak 1998
• George Ross Sainsbury 1997
• Edward Everett Vaill 1996
• Michael Foley Browning 1995
• Theodore Paul (Sam) Streibert 1994
• Ann Carter 1993
• James Dell Morrissey 1992
• Philip Erard 1991
• John E. (Jed) Williamson 1990
• Armando M. Menocal III 1989
• Andrew John Kauffman 1988
• James P. McCarthy 1987
• John L. J. Hart 1986
• Henry S. Hall, Jr. 1985
• Robert H. Bates 1984
• John & Ruth Mendenhall 1983
• Kenneth A. Henderson 1982
• Horst Von Hennig 1981
• William Lowell Putnam 1980
• Charles S. Houston, M.D. 1979
• Nicholas B. Clinch 1978
• H. Adams Carter 1977
• Raffi Bedayn 1976

The David A. Sowles Memorial Award

David A. Sowles was killed at the age of 29 in a tragic accident during a lightening storm in the Alps on August 4, 1963. He was considered a mountaineer's mountaineer. He climbed with grace, style, and elegance matched only by the professional guides. He moved swiftly, always safely, and with the utmost consideration for the welfare of his companions.

The David A. Sowles Memorial Award was established in 1981. It is conferred from time to time on mountaineers who have distinguished themselves, with unselfish devotion at personal risk or sacrifice of a major objective, in going to the assistance of fellow climbers imperiled in the mountains. It is dedicated to the memory of David A. Sowles.

Recipients of the David A. Sowles Award:

• Charlie Sassara & Jack Tackle 2003
• Simone Moro, Tap Richards, Jason Tanguay, Dave Hahn, Andrew James Politz, Loppasang Temba Sherpa, Phurba Tashi Sherpa 2002
• Richard French Wilcox, Jr. & Mountain Rescue Service 1999
• Elizabeth H. White 1998
• Todd Burleson 1997
• Anatoli Boukreev 1997
• Pete Athans 1997
• Ed Viesturs 1994
• Ed Webster 1994
• Paul Doherty 1992
• Harry McDade 1992
• John Martin Petroske 1990
• Steven Rouss 1990
• Jenny Lake Rangers of the Grand Teton National Park 1988
• Jack R. Durrance, M.D. 1986
• Kim Momb 1985
• James Wickwire1985
• Eiho Otani 1985
• Shunsuke Tamura 1983
• Soichi Funai 1983
• Tetsuro Hatano 1983
• Toshito Kabayshi 1983
• Yoshio Ota 1983
• Kiyo Saito 1983
• Sizuya Tanaka 1983
• Soichi Yamada 1983
• Douglas J. Cannalte 1983
• Gary Hemming 1982
• Robert H. Bates
• George I. Bell 1981
• Robert W. Craig 1981
• Charles S. Houston, M.D. 1981
• Dee Molenaar 1981
• Peter K. Schoening 1981
• H.R.A. Streather 1981
• Thomas O. Nevison 1981
• Leigh N. Ortenburger 1981

The Robert and Miriam Underhill Award

Robert L. M. and Miriam O'Brien Underhill are recognized as two of the great pioneers in American mountaineering. In their memory, The American Alpine Club has established the Robert and Miriam Underhill Award for outstanding mountaineering achievement. It is to be given annually to a person who, in the opinion of the selection committee, has demonstrated the highest level of skill in the mountaineering arts and who, through the application of this skill, courage, and perseverance, has achieved outstanding success in the various fields of mountaineering endeavor.

Recipients of the Underhill Award:

• Carlos Buhler 2007
• Henry Barber 2006
• Mark Wilford 2005
• Charlie Fowler 2004
• Jay Smith 2003
• Conrad Anker & Nancy Feagin 2002
• Jim Bridwell 2000
• Annie Whitehouse 2000
• Jack Tackle 1999
• Jim Donini 1999
• Allen Steck 1998
• Steven J. Swenson 1997
• Greg Child 1996
• Robyn Erbesfield 1996
• Stewart Alexander (Alex) Lowe 1995
• Alison Keith Osius 1994
• Michael P. Kennedy 1994
• Louis F. Reichardt 1993
• Terrance Manbeck "Mugs" Stump (posthumously) 1992
• Catherine Calhoun Grisson 1991
• Peter Croft 1991
• George Lowe 1990
• Yvon Chouinard 1989
• Paul Piana 1988
• Todd Skinner 1988
• Catherine M. Freer (posthumously) 1987
• Jeff Lowe 1986
• David Finlay Breashears 1985
• Lynn Marie Hill 1984

The Literary Award

The Literary Award was established to recognize excellence in alpine literature by American writers. Recipients of the award have contributed extensively and over many years to mountain literature. Recipients are not selected through a submission process.

Recipients of the Literary Award:

• Alison Osius 2007
• John Long 2006
• John Sherman 2005
• Mark Jenkins 2004
• Bradford Washburn 2003
• Galen Rowell 2003
• Tami Knight 2003
• Rick Ridgeway 2002
• Audrey Salkeld 1999
• Michael Kennedy 1998
• Broughton Coburn 1997
• Jonathan Waterman 1996
• Allen Steck 1995
• Steve Roper 1995
• Elizabeth Hawley 1994
• Jeff Long 1993
• David S. Roberts 1992
• Ed Webster 1990
• H. Adams Carter 1988
• Greg Child 1987
• Jonathan Roblee Krakauer 1986