Prof. John Cottle will serve as a Mineralogical Society of America Distinguished Lecturer for 2016-17. The Mineralogical Society of America (MSA) offers schools that normally do not have the opportunity to hear talks about recent advances in mineralogy to chose among several topics offered by distinguished Lecturers. MSA pays travel expenses of the Lecturers if the host institution is responsible for local expenses, including accommodations and meals. Since its inception the Lecture Program of the Mineralogical Society of America has proven to be a great success. The varied and interesting lectures presented by MSA Distinguished Lecturers have been appreciated by students and faculty at many colleges and universities worldwide.