Professor N. Gary Lane was a noted IU paleontologist, one of the world leaders in research on crinoid evolution and paleoecology, and avid teacher. He established this award to support students with a demonstrated interest and ability in geology.

• 2024 Melissa Humbarger
• 2022 Miguel Contramaestre, Joseph Hildebranski, Mason Knotts, Alex Martinez, Natalie Mattner, Libby McKesson, Raul Moreno, Thomas Trapp, Nathaniel Weinzapfel, Bronlyn Bates, Jacqueline Patterson, Ahmed Alkhathami, Caroline Klare, Brandon Parker, Maximilian Scott
• 2021 Eva Schneider, Thomas Mishler
• 2020 Benjamin Peters, Braden Henning, Elijah Gibson
• 2019 Britton Sofhauser
• 2018 Daniel Rhoda
• 2017 Mitchell Spangler
• 2016 James Atterholt and Tori Moore
• 2015 Max Price
• 2014 Alex Beyl
• 2013 Madeline Lewis
• 2012 Joseph Biasi
• 2011 Aaron Baer
• 2010 Kent Griffith
• 2009 Julia Pigott
• 2007 Stacy Robertson