Community and partners

In February, 2005, the University of Manitoba named the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources in honour of Dr. Riddell, a prominent University of Manitoba graduate, entrepreneur, and exploration geologist.

In addition to being a distinguished graduate of the Department of Geological Sciences, an Honorary degree recipient in 2004, and a long-time friend and supporter of the University, Dr. Riddell made a $10-million gift to the University of Manitoba to create an endowment fund to ensure the success of the new Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources.

Dr. Riddell, with his usual modest demeanour, commented on his gift: “Hopefully I can help the new Faculty continue the University of Manitoba’s long tradition of training outstanding earth scientists who combine academic excellence with responsible environmental and social attitudes”. (University of Manitoba Bulletin.2005.38:19)

Dr. Riddell graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.Sc. Hons. in Geology in 1959 and he went on to become a pioneering geologist of vision and entrepreneurial drive.

Dr. Riddell drilled his first well in this region when there were no pipelines, at a time when conventional drilling practice had proven inadequate, and traditional thinking had staunchly ruled out natural gas production. Dr. Riddell founded Paramount Resources during this time and this early exploration success in northeastern Alberta has continued into the 21st century, resulting in total gas production and reserve definition in Devonian and Cretaceous rocks amounting to trillions of cubic feet. Building on this success, the company is breaking more new frontiers by exploring for deep gas in the United States.