Welcome Letter – AEG President, William H. Godwin

AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Traditions – Bringing It Back to You Welcome fellow AEG colleagues and guests to our resumption of in-person annual meetings. Although I am from California, I want to put out big a cheer for “The Great State of Texas.” This is the fourth Annual Meeting to be held in Texas, with the most recent also being San Antonio back in 1993. Our program is designed to allow for getting together to reacquaint with old friends and meet new ones. Traditionally, at previous Annual Meetings we have organized symposia that address The 64th AEG Annual Rock-n the River Meeting technical topics of geologic and seismic hazards and the built environment. Our keynote speakers will talk to those points, and we welcome two new technical sessions to the mix: Coastal Hazards and GeoUAS. We thank those of you that submitted abstracts and the moderators that will lead the discussions. While enjoying the meeting, please spend time visiting the Exhibitor’s Hall to learn about new technology, products, and services, as well as organizations that work hard to support the applied geology field. Many of our exhibitors are also sponsors of the meeting and AEG. Please consider giving your time or resources in tandem with them. AEG has planned for three field courses that will visit the many varied sites in Texas. These will include the Hill Country, gorges, and caves. There is plenty of room to explore in Central Texas so slip on your boots, put on your western hat, and get outside. In keeping with tradition, this year’s Outstanding Environmental and Engineering Geology (OEEG) award is for the San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP). It just so happens that the very first OEEG award was for the San Antonio River Walk in 1993. This wonderful setting is a tribute to civic pride and river restoration, and we are very happy to be able to experience it. We hope you get a chance to walk the paths or float on the river during your stay here. I would like to give a big thanks to the behind-the-scenes individuals and organizations that have been part of the planning for this event. Our Planning Committee, Meeting Chair, Meeting Manager and folks at HQ have put in many hours to make this event a success. Over the past year they have wrestled with the concept of virtual, in person or hybrid: What is most beneficial for AEG members and the profession; and what are the current CDC and State guidelines for an event such as this? Luckily the restrictions have lessened to the point that we can meet in person again. Sincerely, William H. Godwin, PG, CEG 2020–21 AEG President