CANDIDATE FOR AIPG NATIONAL TREASURER
Candidate for AIPG National Treasurer
James R. Burnell, CPG-11609 Golden, Colorado
After a year of sitting on the side- lines, getting accustomed to retirement, I have decided to attempt to jump back into the action on the National Board of AIPG. I have observed - and participated in – a time of significant transitions for the organization. They have not all been pleasant experiences. But we have weathered the storm so far and are poised to move forward.
I got my feet wet in AIPG first at the Colorado section as editor for four years, secretary, and then vice president. I then answered the call and took the opportu- nity to run for National Secretary. This was a generally enjoyable and rewarding time, as I interacted with some outstand- ing professionals and “activists” in the organization. When I relinquished my position at the Anchorage meeting, I watched the new group of Board mem- bers nervously look around and wonder what they had gotten themselves into. Some of the old guard remained to lead the effort, but quite a few were just about to get their feet wet.
Letter to the Editor In the Jan-Feb-Mar 2016 issue of
TPG I read the Letter To The Editor by Vic Chevillon, CPG-11054, regarding critical skills for geoscience students. I agree completely with Mr. Chevillon’s arguments that basic, critical field skills are indispensable for geoscien- tists. What really got my attention, however, was Mr. Chevillon’s sentence:
Rocks are the earth’s words, miner- als the alphabet, and their geologic relationships present the story.
This is profound! What a way with words he has! This sentence is the best way I have ever heard of saying that
18 TPG
Apr.May.Jun 2016
It is for this reason that I thought it might be time to rekindle my activity. I have several years on the Board, with the history of that time – and that period of transition – on my resume. In my closing comments at the end of that meeting, I commented that I would like to maintain my participation with something work- ing with the Finance Committee or the Foundation. So the position of Treasurer may be a means of doing that.
We are moving in perilous waters right now in the geologic community. Employment is down and we are losing geoscientists to other fields as they find ways to support their families. Those who stay in the field are looking to effec- tively alot their activities and member- ships to maximize the value. That makes it a challenging time for those directing a professional society. What can we do to increase benefits to members and enhance our own viability to the geologic community?
Living in Denver, I am surrounded by a multitude of organizations and activi- ties for geoscientists. At the section level we have struggled to compete with those other options, not always successfully. It is with that knowledge that I hope to lend some ideas and efforts to AIPG in recruiting and retaining members.
The efforts of members and staff to expand the student chapter program and the Young Professional status is commendable and has shown remark- able success. A bigger task, however, is maintaining that and encouraging those young members to stay with the organization. From my interactions with young members and prospective mem- bers, the key is interaction with active professionals. The main thing needed is contacts, opportunities and mentoring. Furthering our efforts to involve active professionals in working with younger members is a key to the success – or even the survival – of AIPG. I hope to be able to involve myself in this effort.
rocks have a story to tell if only one can read them! I think every introduc- tory college geology class in the country should emphasize this statement!
Interestingly enough, the article on page 5 of that same issue of TPG is titled, “The Best Geologist is the One Who Has Seen the Most Rocks.” I hope those who have seen the most rocks have read the earth’s words as stated by Mr. Chevillon.
Albert L. Lamarre CPG-06798
Retired Geologist
Coming in the next issue of TPG...
Scholarship Winner Essays!
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