The Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship (previously the JOI/USSAC Ocean Drilling Fellowship) was named in 2001 to honor Dr. Seymour Schlanger, a distinguished researcher in the fields of sedimentary petrology and carbonate stratigraphy. Dr. Schlanger was an expert on the geology of the Pacific islands and basins, and is well known for his award winning paper published with Dr. Michael Arthur on Cretaceous black shales as indicators of oceanic anoxic events.

A charismatic colleague and dedicated leader, Dr. Schlanger sailed on four ocean drilling expeditions during the early days of the Deep Sea Drilling Project. His enthusiasm and energy were instrumental in establishing the U.S. scientific ocean drilling committees and programs that are still supporting the IODP community today.

Although he gave much of himself to his work and the field of geology, Dr. Schlanger is also remembered for his abounding dedication to his students, within whom he cultured intellect and strong character.