American Institute of Professional Geologists
Pennsylvania Section

AIPG PENNSYLVANIA SECTION
AUGUST 2007 NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The purposes of AIPG include:

1. advance the geological sciences and the profession of geology;
2. establish qualifications for professional geologists;
3. certify the qualifications of specific individual Member geologists to the public;
4. promote high standards of ethical conduct among its members and adjuncts, and within the profession of geology; and
5. represent, and advocate for, the geological profession before government and the general public.

The benefits of becoming involved in the section are numerous. AIPG provides an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues, network, gain additional knowledge of geology, and share and seek outdoor adventures. Once or twice a year we plan to get together in an outdoor adventure venue and pursue adventure in interesting geological settings. Although these gatherings have been the section’s focal activities, we ask every member to provide ideas for future meetings and activities. Our resources are limited with just a handful of active members. I ask you to email me (bbeegle@advancedgeoservices.com) your suggestions on how we can strengthen our section’s profession through AIPG.

On behalf of the section, I will be attending the annual AIPG conference in Traverse City, Michigan set for October 7 through 11, 2007. I will also be attending the upcoming dinner on October 25th to honor past officers of 2006 and introduce the new officers for this year. I ask you to attend these events so you can meet all the section officers and we together can bolster our section’s involvement in AIPG.

Bernard Beegle
2007 Section President

Temple University Student Chapter Activity

Temple students had a busy academic year in 2006 and look forward to the 2007-08 school year. A highlight of the 2006-07 academic year was the Geological Society of America meeting in Philadelphia in the fall of 2006. Students gave papers and helped man the Temple booth as well as met Section members at the AIPG booth. With several field trips and a fund raiser to support students attending field camp the geological community is active on the campus. The student chapter advisor is Dr. Laura Toran. Michael Wyant was the president of the AIPG student chapter.

AIPG Booth at GSA, 2006 a Success

Many members of the PA Section joined other AIPG members to volunteer at GSA. Section members included Andy Sokol and Jim Taylor, current officers of the Section.

Other members included the National Executive Director, Bill Siok, as well as Wendy Davidson, and Cathy Duran of the national staff. More than 190 students joined AIPG ensuring a definite success in recruiting new members.

Changes in the National Geological Community

Long term AGI Director and leader in our field for many years, Dr. Marcus Milling died on October 17, 2006. Many of us will miss him. In the honoring of his passing the AGI Foundation renamed the AGI Legendary Geoscientist Award as the Marcus E. Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal. Dr. Milling, a friend too many in Pennsylvania, was Executive Director of AGI from 1992 to July, 2006. Among his many awards he received the AIPG Ben H. Parker Memorial Medal in 1977.

PA Student Scholarship Award

One winner of an AIPG Scholarship this past year was a student from western Pennsylvania, Jennifer Rothsuss. We should be proud of her accomplishment. The scholarship program was initiated in early 2000 and consists of awarding up to four scholarships of $1,000 each. The students must b a member of AIPG to qualify for this program and be at least a sophomore as well as a geology major. 

CEU Credit for Geological Activities of AIPG

AIPG has become a qualified issuer of CEU credits for conferences, seminars, courses, and other activities which include many activities at the Section level. National headquarters would need to be contacted and information submitted to obtain approval. This development as well as a closer relationship with ASBOG will ensure adequate continuing education to enhance the careers of members.

Take AIPG On-Line Courses

After considerable time and effort by past executive committees and through the leadership of Robert Font (CPG-03953) and others, AIPG finally has several on- line courses that members can complete by finding the appropriate link at the national web site. (www.aipg.org). Applied information is stressed in the courses.

44^th Annual AIPG Conference in Traverse City, Michigan set for October 7-11 2007

Be there!! Our AIPG needs your involvement. Find out the latest trends in your profession. You will be surprised at how informative these meetings are to your career. Networking and the changes at state and federal levels which affect your profession are just some of the useful data you will collect. It is simply amazing to find out all that AIPG is doing to promote and protect our profession…………..AND don’t forget to start planning to attend the 2008 annual meeting in Flagstaff, Arizona which includes an international symposium and featuring the Grand Canyon.

CARP Study Started

As part of a statewide water resources planning process a localized comprehensive area resources plan or CARP is being developed to create a protocol and for use as a model for other studies throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Members should be aware of these localized planning studies which could affect projects in your area. The current CARP study is in the headwaters of the Wissahickon Creek in southeast Pennsylvania. It is the first study under this new state program and is being jointly managed through DRBC, the State and Montgomery County Planning Commission.

Other News

Checkout AIPG insurance programs

• Geocare benefits

• Life insurance Health insurance

• Professional liability insurance

• Auto and home insurance.

Support PA Geological Survey

The survey needs our continued help to insure funds are available to conduct survey work. AIPG also will evaluate our past program to help support a summer intern at the Survey.

Fiscal health of AIPG continues to approve

AIPG is one of the most fiscally responsible geologic organizations due in part to existing national staff and recent executive committees. As part of that health we are gaining in membership as we continue to reach out to the geological community

The Pennsylvania Section of AIPG needs your help as activities are planned:

• Lobbying to promote our profession
• Networking
• Educational updates and continuing education
• Conduct meetings where members can discuss their company projects.

Get involved, become a leader in Pennsylvania. Join the executive committee or attend regional meetings.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The dinner to honor past officers of 2006 and to introduce the new officers for this year will be held on October 25th. Please plan on attending. It will be an enjoyable evening. The event will be located in Fort Washington, at the Hotel & Conference Center, 432 W. Penn Ave., Fort Washington, PA 19034. Call Dennis Pennington for details 215-646-8866