Scholarships

The American Association of Drilling Engineers was founded in New Orleans in 1978.  Formation of the AADE was based on the fact that no existing organization was consistently providing technical exchange specifically for Drilling Engineers.  The AADE is an all-volunteer organization of independent chapters licensed by the National Board.

In awarding the Nate Fleming and Paul E. Legg Memorial Scholarship, we seek to help men and women of ability and character within the American Association of Drilling Engineers to aid and extend their education.  This enables them to meet the career demands of today’s job market and entrepreneurial arena.

In Memory of
Nathan Zane Fleming
September 11, 1980 - January 27, 2001

Nate died in the tragic Oklahoma State University basketball plane crash on January 27, 2001 near Strasburg, Colorado on the return trip from the OSU – Colorado game.

Nate was a 4.0 graduate of Edmond North High School with valedictorian honors.  He earned All-State in tennis and basketball.  He was named the “Jim Thorpe” Athlete of Oklahoma in tennis his senior year.

Nate was active in community affairs, an active member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City and a member and leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Nate attended Kanakuk Christian Kamp in Branson, Missouri for six summers in a row and practiced the “I am Third” throughout his life.

Nate was a sophomore at Oklahoma State University on a full academic scholarship and was chosen to the President’s Leadership Council.  Nate made the Oklahoma State University Basketball Team as a “Walk-on” under Coach Eddie Sutton.  Nate traveled as a player through the NCAA tournament.  OSU made it to the “Great Eight” tournament in Syracuse, New York his freshman year.  Nate majored in Engineering with a 3.71 GPA through 3 semesters.  He was named to the Big-12 All-Academic First Team.

In Memory of
Paul Earnest Legg
March 5, 1954 – October 22, 2009

Paul Earnest Legg of Tuttle, OK passed away on October 22, 2009.  Paul graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering.  He was an avid outdoorsman, a member of the Order of the Arrow and an Eagle Scout.  He was a vital part of the AADE organization as well as the entire oil and gas industry in the State of Oklahoma for over 30 years.  Paul’s legacy and character as an individual will never be forgotten.

In Memory of
Scotty Turner
January 30, 1956 – December 8, 2022
Scotty Turner was a founding member of the MidCon Chapter of the American Association of Drilling Engineers and he served as a board member since 1998. All that knew Scotty, immediately felt a bond and He made everyone he met feel special. When he walked into the room it lifted all spirits, that’s just who he was. His leadership was always a calm, guiding hand that lead by example and you knew when he offered advice it was well thought out and from the heart. Scotty always looked for the good in everyone and every situation. Even when things seemed unbearable to most Scotty would say, “it’ll get better”! He would always be there to lend a hand, offer a kind word of encouragement, or just listen. He was a man of faith, empathy and integrity and a highly respected oil and gas professional. He was loved by many colleagues and friends and will be dearly missed!