President's Letter, November 2021

By Cat Campbell

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

—SOCRATES

The progression of time marked by the shifting of seasons, transitional colors in nature, lengthening nights and Christmas displays already appearing in stores has me pondering change this month.

To start, we’ve had some big changes at RMAG. I am beyond excited to welcome our Executive Director Bridget Crowther. Bridget, a Colorado native, is joining us from the American Institute of Architects, an organization with more than 95,000 members, where she oversaw multiple awards programs for the institute. In this role, she managed the strategic directions of the programs, managed budgets, and oversaw events and meetings. Another major aspect of this role was building relationships, something that is essential to success at RMAG, especially as we look to the next 100 years. The American Institute of Architects is based in DC, and with the incredible remote possibilities opened by the COVID era, Bridget returned home and realized her next chapter would include staying in Colorado. And she has personal ties to RMAG already–her grandfather was a longtime member before he passed away in 2012 and had an impressive stash of old Outcrop issues in his home. Bridget’s degree from Beloit College is in Political Science, but she is excited and ready to tackle the geology that we will all force on her with our passion for our science! Welcome Bridget!

Our second big change at RMAG this year is one that only Winnie the Pooh can articulate for me.

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

This summer we said goodbye to Debby Watkins, our director of Member Services. Debby’s incredible energy, creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm for geology is already dearly missed. I want to thank Debby for her years at RMAG and the impact she had on so many of our programs from Summit Sponsor to the GeoHike Challenge. I wish you all the best in your next chapter.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.

—CS LEWIS

Educational Outreach's sample rock kit for teachers

While we are on the topic of change here, I want to acknowledge one of the biggest changes facing RMAG; turning 100. This organization has seen World Wars, a person walk on the moon, the discovery of DNA, and a few ups and downs in oil in gas and so much more. It’s unfathomable how the world changes on a constant basis. The exciting thing about RMAG is that we change with the times and will continue to do so. My goal this year as president of RMAG is to place RMAG in the best position possible for the next 100 years. That’s where Jack Welch’s comment comes into play.

Change before you have to.

—JACK WELCH

We need to stay nimble and observe the world around us, determining how we best fit in. I want to highlight two programs that are helping RMAG stay essential and acknowledging the issues facing the geosciences today. First is the Educational Outreach Committee currently being chaired by Donna Anderson (shout out to Sarah Compton for her leadership prior to Donna). The committee just updated and organized sample boxes for teachers to use in their classrooms (see photo). Please check out their website to learn more about the many ways this committee is ensuring that earth sciences are being brought into schools and sign up to volunteer!

Second, I want to recognize the work of Jeff May in creating the Diversity and Inclusivity ad hoc committee. This group of committed individuals is working to acknowledge the lack of diversity in the geosciences and make RMAG an organization that welcomes and honors diversity. Please check out our commitment here.

Have a wonderful November and email staff@ rmag.org to be part of the change!

Change is inevitable- except from a vending machine.

—ROBERT C. GALLAGHER