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By SUSIE MOORE
EXPLORER Staff Writer

VGP Seeking High Visibility This Year


Go to the Visiting Geologist program site to learn how to schedule a visit and review topics and VG available.

For more than 30 years, AAPG's Visiting Geologist Program has been sending qualified, professional geologists to colleges and universities around the world to speak to students about the future of petroleum geology.

And this year is no different.

In fact, Chuck Caughey, the VGP acting chairman, said he wants to improve the program's visibility this year, and has announced an ambitious set of goals for the 2005-06 season:

  • Utilize alumni and AAPG Student Chapters to increase contacts on campus, distribute VGP brochures and set up a booth at the AAPG/SEG Student Expo (Oct. 6-8, Houston).
  • Involve AAPG affiliated societies and international Regions to generate opportunities for VGP visits to universities in their areas.
  • Increase VGP visits by adding Active members to the volunteer list.
  • Broaden VGP visits to include major U.S. and international universities that may have been missed in previous visits.
  • Coordinate with the Student Chapter, Student Expo, Student Focus and Grants-in-Aid committees to improve the effectiveness of AAPG student programs.

"There is no better way to present the advantages of AAPG to students than learning from the experiences of a fully professional AAPG member," Caughey said.

"VGP introduces the 'real world' of geoscience careers," he said.

And visits by professional geoscientists provide an opportunity for faculty and administrators to find out what the industry needs in academic courses and field experiences.

"Even more important is VG interaction with students," he said, "who learn about the career paths available in geology and geophysics and how to prepare for their future."

"Having a VG to discuss the tangible and intangible benefits of membership is important to bridging the gap between student and active AAPG membership," he added.

Finding volunteers for the program hasn't been a problem, Caughey said, but he quickly added that there is always room for one more.

"We need to multiply our efforts to reach enthusiastic AAPG members who would like to help students prepare for rewarding careers in geosciences," Caughey said.

To volunteer your time, arrange for a speaker or get more information go to the VGP site, or contact Mike Mlynek, student affairs coordinator, at .