In honor of AGU’s centennial celebration, we are reflecting on the last 100 years of Earth Science and the discoveries that led to plate tectonic theory. Plate tectonics has revolutionized how we understand and frame Earth processes. The way in which shifts in scientific paradigms are facilitated by new technology and massive data compilation efforts are as relevant today as during the plate tectonics revolution. Continuing from the Giants of Tectonophysics Sessions I and II at the 2018 Fall Meeting, this session profiles the discoveries by leading contributors who played a pivotal role in plate tectonics and looks forward to future directions in understanding our dynamic Earth.