Terra Firma
The Earth Science & Geography Newsletter, Summer 2008
Letter from the Departmental Chair
Greetings from Earth Science & Geography at Vassar! In this issue of Terra Firma, our biennial newsletter, you will read about the people and events associated with our department during last two years. As in the past, we continue to offer distinctive disciplinary perspectives on the world’s geo-physical structures, spatial systems, and human environments. We welcome you to visit us when you are next on campus!
Some of you may wonder about the department’s new name. Although we still teach geology, we have rechristened the program “Earth Science” to keep pace with evolving areas of inquiry in earth systems. As you can see in our A. Scott Warthin Museum of Geology and Natural History, the department cherishes our traditions while we embrace contemporary approaches to science. Of course, we also offer degrees in Geography, Geography-Anthropology, and Earth Science and Society. In fact, ours remains Vassar’s only department to span two divisions—the natural sciences and the social sciences. This cross-fertilization promotes a collaborative, inquiry-centered approach to teaching and learning about the many challenges facing the planet.
More than fifty majors and correlate sequences now focus their efforts in our department, while some 500 students enroll in our courses annually. Our many alumnae/i, who have gone on to contribute so much in various walks of life, also fill us with pride. Recently, we particularly benefited from the creation of the Mary Laflin Rockwell Fund for field research in Earth Science, Geology, and Geography—thanks to the generosity of Joan Rockwell ’72 and Ellen Rockwell Galland '67. These funds help to support our study trips and advanced student research. We greatly appreciate the many ongoing contributions our graduates make to the College.
We do encourage alums to update contact information with the AAVC, from whom we get our current mailing information. Indeed, we always enjoy hearing news from our graduates, so please stay in touch!
Best wishes,
Brian J. Godfrey
Professor of Geography and Chair, Dept. of Earth Science and Geography
Earth Science and Geography
124 Raymond Ave., Box 735, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604-0735
Office: Ely Hall | Phone: 845-437-5540 | Fax: 845-437-7577 | Contact
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