Geology Alumni Endowed Award

Created by a group of alumni from the Houston area, the Geology Alumni Endowed Award (GAEA) reached maturity in 2021 and supports research and travel activities in perpetuity for qualifying geology students. No other alumni group in the history of the school has initiated such an award and we need YOUR continued help to support this fund! Our Board of Advocates thanks all donors to the Geology Alumni Endowed Award.

Vision

Alumni have self-organized to support Geology & Environmental Geosciences students in the activities that are the keys to success:

Attending Professional Conferences

Field Studies Courses

Research with Faculty

How can you get involved - consider the 1-2-4 step!

$1,000 sends a student to a conference to present his/her research and network with professionals.

$2,000 offsets the program fees for summer Field Studies.

$4,000 or more covers the summer salary (10 weeks / 40 hours per week) of a student to conduct research with faculty.

Why give?

Whether we reminisce about Hawaiian shirts, Dr. Bob’s sage-like wisdom, the stories that never leave Field Studies or many other memories, we can all agree that CofC Geology is unparalleled in fostering a strong sense of community. We truly believe that our “students helping students” mentality honors this culture.

From porewater sampling to monitoring greenhouse gas emissions in Francis Marion Forest, CofC Geology is where I received my first real taste of independent research. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities made possible by summer research grants and travel awards to present my research at conferences. No matter whether you stay in geology or venture into other areas, getting to test‑drive being a scientist outside the classroom is an invaluable experience to receive as an undergraduate. Looking forward to ensuring we carry on that tradition through this endowment! -‐Emily Sekula (Class of 2005) Geologist at ExxonMobil

Thanks to funding for my summer research, I was able to do research on the geochemical fate and transport of pharmaceutical chemicals with Dr. Vulava. With pharmaceuticals being prescribed now more than ever, we need to look at the pollutants in the soil and ground water. I appreciate the experience this undergraduate research opportunity gave me; it will make me more competitive for future opportunities, and I hope it will also lead to advances in geoscience research! -‐Drew Barnum (Class of 2017)

If you would prefer to provide support by writing a check, please add fund code E667 on the memo line.

Increase your gift's impact through matching gifts. Many employers have matching gift programs that could double or even triple your gift. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please enter your employer's name here.

Your generosity, whether it is $25 or $25,000, will join others and collectively make a significant impact on today’s geology students and those yet to come. Additionally, your gift will include you in one of our many College of Charleston giving societies.

For more information or questions please contact Lauren Van Buskirk, Senior Development Officer for the School of Science and Mathematics at vanbuskirklw@cofc.edu or by phone at 843.953.5532.

2019 Impact Report