Geography Reunion a Huge Success

The Department of Geography held a Reunion on Saturday, April 25, 2009. 

The event, which coincided with the University’s 50th anniversary celebration, began with an open house in the Department, followed by a social hour and dinner in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union. 

In all, approximately 100 people participated in the events.  Retired faculty in attendance included Gordon Lewthwaite, who taught from 1959-1992; James Allen, 1969-2002; William Bowen, 1970-2004; Robert Gohstand, 1972-1998; Robert Howard, 1972-2002; Gong-Yuh Lin, 1972-2004; and Gary Lobb, 1973-1998.  Current faculty included Eugene Turner, Julie Laity, Amalie Orme, Helen Cox, Edward Jackiewicz, Shawna Dark, Steven Graves, Ronald Davidson, and James Craine.  Staff included Judi Gomez, Tommie Norris, David Deis, Kris Tacsik, Stephanie Rozek, and Jason Mejia.  Geography council President Shane Western was also on hand.  Department Chair Darrick Danta served as MC during the dinner.

Many geography undergraduate and graduate alumni took the opportunity to reconnect with the department, faculty, and fellow students. 

Those attending the dinner included our first graduate Ken Kearsly (’59, ’60); Dick Nelson (’62); Joseph Pantuso (’68); William Russell (’68, ’70); William Howland (’71); Gary Rees (’72); Chris Mainzer (’73); Craig O’Connor (’75); Suzanne Mann (’78);  Joyce Glantz (’80); George Leis (’81); Paula Hodge (’84); Alex Marlow (’91); Katheryn Gerber (’91, ’01); Nancy Hafner (’94-97); Vicki Drake (’96); Meredith Leonard (’03); Steven Lee (’04); David Fox (’04); Martine Vallade (’98); Tom Magdaleno (’03); Ike Ihesiaba (‘04); Steven Haase (‘04); and Maurice Carter (’07).  Several others showed up for the open house, or for the social hour. 

All attendees seemed to have a good time; several expressed a desire to have another reunion soon!