Happy New Year from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences!
As we reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and changes the College has faced in the past year and plan for 2007, it’s only fitting that I take a minute to thank all of you, our loyal alumni, for your support. Without you, our current students would not be able to enjoy the many positive transformations that have occurred in our College since you were students.
In this issue of
GEMS Update, we are happy to introduce you to a few of the ways that you, our alumni, can get involved, stay involved, or contribute to the future of
Earth and Mineral Sciences and our next generation of alumni.
The past few years have shown a remarkable increase in student participation in the programming and over-all climate of the College. We believe that this is partially due to the introduction of
TOTEMS (Total Orientation to EMS) a few years ago (please see associated article). Our
EMS Student Council now consists of upwards of 70 active members. Compared to other Colleges, that is an unprecedented penetration rate of our student body! Not only am I happy to boast about the number of active students, I am even more excited about the impact that these students are having both within the College and the message they are sending to the University and community about life in EMS.
Please take a few minutes to read more about the exciting ways that you can interact with our student body throughout this newsletter. Finding time in your schedule to meet and share your expertise with our students might just provide you with an opportunity to recapture the enthusiasm of their youth!
We are always looking at new opportunities to involve our alumni in our programming and with our students. Please feel free to share your suggestions and opportunities by email to
gems@ems.psu.edu.
Thank you for playing such an important role in the success of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Rob Crane
Acting Dean, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
