From the Winter 2004 Newsletter

Last January, each of you for whom the department had a correct address was a recipient of our letter describing the Geology Departments hope that we can double the endowment for the Jim Street Fund from $60K to $120K in support of student research expenses and travel to professional meetings. We have a leadership position in the area of undergraduate research both nationally and locally, having been involved in the process at least since the days of Doc Bloomer. Until the 1990’s our students did research with faculty and some published that research, but few actually presented their research at national or international meetings. That condition changed as many universities began to foster undergraduate research programs and their students were encouraged to present. New venues for student presentation have opened.

At St. Lawrence our students have been eager to participate professionally, and the University has helped with financial support as needed.Some of you have also helped by creating Student Research Fellowships specifically for Geology projects. These have had a major impact and are essential as the “heavy lifters” of our student research effort so please continue them.It is fair to say, however, that the greatest good for the greatest number of Geology students has been afforded by the Jim Street Fund which can act on students’ proposals immediately upon receipt with little or no delay and can fund needs of intermediate or lesser cost.These are an important aspect of student research you may be sure!Eventually we may be able to award a Jim Street Fellowship if needed in addition to the research or travel awards that we make presently.We are “growing” the Fund with those goals in mind.

THANK YOU!Please let JME know if there errors at meri@stlawu.edu.