ALUMNI NEWS NOTES

Don Eckelmann: Well, as the E-mail addresses imply, I' working at McDonnell Douglas in Flight Simulation (by day) and going to school as Washington University, St.Louis (at night), while struggling to raise 3 very exuberant little boys (7 1/2, 5 yrs., and 21 mon., respectively) and helping my wife fend off the ensuing chaos. At WashU, I'm working my way into the graduate program in Computer Science, leading towards a Masters degree (many years from now). It's great to be back in a stimulating intellectual environment comparable to my years at Colgate. Work is fun, exciting, $%@!#$!%, etc., but it doesn't quite exercise your brain. Previous attempts at going back to grad. school got interrupted by work (numerous, extended "visits" to assorted Navy bases, etc., sometimes on -very- short notice!). Things seem quieter now; the odds are generally better. Work has been stressful the last few years, what with 40-80% layoffs, survivors syndrome, trying to get too much work done with too few people. You've read Dilbert, I'm sure, so no surprises. I did get a chance to "fly" a wide assortment of "interesting" aircraft; thank God they were only simulations! It did lead to visiting a number of Naval Air Stations, including NAS Miramar (Top Gun!, the gift shop was great ...). A background in Geology did come in handy when dealing with tons of Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) maps, map projections (Mercator, Lambert, ...). The fun part of life has been raising 3 sons, budding geologist perhaps (you should see their "rock" collections!). They love dinosaurs (Historical Geology here we come ...), camping, field trips, canoeing, terrorizing their parents. My wife, Sonya Jourdan, has done a great job nurturing their interests in Nature/Science; she gets much/most of the credit. Add in some hobbies like woodworking, beekeeping, water gardening, and life has been full. Sorry for the late response to the new letter; school just started up again (we're not supposed to sent out E-mail from work, except for Company business.). Better late than never. Hey Bruce, at least Eckelmann, Sandin, et al. got their Sedimentary Petrology term project in on time (only ones in the class, Fall '77!). I can still remember the quotes: "... and other acid-loving vegetables, like Fred here!" (ref. to Fred Mitlitsky in the context of acid soils); "Those of your who are driving to ___ (which football game was it?), please drive carefully. Those of your who are playing ___, please kick ass!" (was that directed at Doug Curtis?). Ahh, the memories, I trust the current crop of students are adding generously to the legends, harassing The Chief, etc. Have they filled that time column in the Lathrop staircase yet? If I reminisce any longer, the tears will short out the keyboard, so I better quit. Have fun (and keep those Coleman lanterns ready for the March ice storms and power outages; Chief won't take ANY excuses for late lab work!). (submitted '96)

Karen Fell: I work at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in Trenton, NJ, and we are often looking for entry level geologists so if you know anyone job hunting in the area, send them my way. I live across the river from Trenton in Yardley, PA. I am married to Eric Evenson (he works at USGS although he is a biologist by education) and we have two boys, Mike (age 11) and Jesse (age 9). (Submitted August 2003)

Kimberly Dalton Ferris: I'm currently the Director of Environmental Complianceat SUNY Geneseo. It will soon be necessary to take some time offfor the delivery of my fourth child--due Sept. 24th! (submitted '96)

Kerry F. Inman: Still working for BP Exploration (Team Leader in our Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Exploration group) drilling wells! Also running Unman Gallery with husband Kevin Schofield (also a geologist at BP). Just finished a grueling year remodelling our great old house - it's great to cook at home again! I see Andy Sandberg (total geophysicists) Class of '81 [I think]; Bob Goldhammer, Exxon, Class of '79; and Jim Donovan, Class of '79. Would love to say hello to Karen Fell! (submitted '96)

Donna Keats: It's hard to believe that I've been living in Reno for almost 20 years!! Nevada is a wonderful place, with the best of all worlds- fascinating deserts, with the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe only a short drive away. After my life at Colgate, I spent about 13 years working as an exploration geologist for the mineral industry, which transitioned well into environmental work more than 10 years ago. I am a Certified Environmental Manager and started my own business about 6 years ago. My current work has not taken me far from my professional roots, in that much of my work concerns ground water protection at precious metal mines-- so I'm still looking at ore bodies! Running my own business has been wonderful, and I am thoroughly enjoying the flexible schedule that it allows. I spend a lot of time kayaking in Sierra lakes, traveling overseas for work and play, and playing in the mud (so to speak)while making clay sculptures and functional ware in my home studio. All in all, this life is pretty grand! I hope everyone else has been as fortunate.
(submitted 6/03)

Catherine Weyerhaeuser Morley: Raising three budding geologists ages 10, 8, and 4. (submitted '96)

Gregory E. van der Vink: Director of planning or the IRIS Consortium since 1989. Visiting faculty since 1991 at Princeton University Department of Geological and Geophysical Sciences, and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Appointed by President Clinton to the Science and Policy Advisory Committee in 1995 to advice President, Secretory of State, and Director of ACDA on issues related to arms control. Almost finished opportunity for Chief's petrology class. (submitted '96)

Andrea Westinghouse: I live on the Maine coast with my husband and our 7 and 8 year old (very active) boys. Just opened up my own pediatric practice a year and a half ago and enjoy being part of a rural community and small town. My guys and I are building up a good fossil collection from our continued trips to the Finger Lakes! (submitted 6/03)

Ruth Smith Wuzniak: Working as a Pediatric RN at Summit/Warren Pediatrics, 33 Overlook Road, Suite 403, Summit, NJ 07901. Busy with 2 sons: Christopher (14) and Bryan (12) who both play ice hockey. Just elected Treasurer of the Mendham Hockey League (MHL). I am also into international travel 2-3 times/year with my husband George who's business leads us around Europe. (submitted '96)