MEDIA RELEASE

Retired Geology Professor to Hike Valley Mountains to Raise Money for CSUN Students

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., May 19, 2008) — Just as explorer Ferdinand Magellan attempted to travel the world in three years, retired Cal State Northridge geology professor Gene Fritsche will attempt his own sensational journey in a hike covering five San Fernando Valley mountain ranges in 12 days.

Although Fritsche wasn’t summoned by the king of Spain to complete this journey, his intentions are for a much greater purpose—raising funds for geology students at CSUN.

Beginning today, Fritsche, 71, and his wife, Sue, will embark on a 12-day GeoTrek that will cover a total of 135 miles around the San Fernando Valley in efforts to raise money for scholarships in CSUN’s Department of Geological Sciences.

"After I retired, I wanted to do something to build up the scholarship funds that were available to CSUN geology majors," said Fritsche. "It occurred to me that if I were to take a geology-oriented hike of a significant length, the geology alumni could participate if they wished and they might also be encouraged to donate to the geology scholarship fund in support of my efforts."

The hike began at the Southern Verdugo Mountains today and will conclude on Saturday, June 14, at the Rocky Peak Area of the Santa Susana Mountains. Hiking days will be interspersed with rest days, during which pictures and a geologic description of the hikes will be posted on the Internet so people can keep track of the journey’s progress.

"This plan worked well on the first two GeoTreks in 2004 and 2006," said Fritsche. "So now my wife and I are embarking on GeoTrek III. Hopefully the GeoTreks will continue to be a success."

Members of the public are invited to join the Fritsches on their hike. To participate in the hike or contribute to the scholarship fund, e-mail a.eugene.fritsche@csun.edu.