Foundation Luncheon Recognizes Donors By Jenny Kucera SEG members who generously give their gifts of time, talent, and financial resources were recognized at the Foundation Donor Luncheon on Monday. Bill Barkhouse, Chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors served as the master of ceremony. He thanked donors and volunteers for their support of the SEG Foundation and the many ways in which they make a difference and drive the success of the Society. Outgoing SEG President Steve Hill talked briefly about the partnership between SEG and the SEG Foundation. He shared his philosophy of what he believes are the nuts and bolts of both entities. "Both are member-driven and are examples of generosity and volunteerism in action," Hill said. | |  | | | | Photograph by Barchfield Photography Bill Barkhouse | Aaron Girard represented the international student body of SEG. Girard is a graduate student from IDEA-League, a focused network of leading European universities of science and technology. Girard credits much of his initiative and success to his involvement with SEG. "As a geophysicist, I would be lost without SEG," Girard said. "SEG has provided me opportunities to learn how to solve geophysical challenges and make new friends all over the world." He spoke of his experiences with SEG and SEG Foundation programs and how they have prepared him for a successful career in geophysics. Susan Webb, professor from University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, delivered the keynote address. She has led her students to participate in many SEG and SEG Foundation programs. One such program that the SEG Foundation is supporting is AfricaArray, a partnership supporting training and research in earth, atmospheric and space sciences in Africa. SEG member Elwin Peacock received a special award for Outstanding Volunteer. Elwin has been a dedicated volunteer for the Foundation for many years, in addition to being a committed donor. "SEG is an organization of volunteers. Today we recognize Peacock for his outstanding volunteer efforts. He never gives up!" said Gary Servos, Vice Chair of the Foundation Board. Barkhouse announced a new major gift from CGGVeritas in support of Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB). CGGVeritas CEO Jean-Georges Malcor accepted the award. This is the company's third investment in supporting GWB. To date, CGGVeritas has contributed $870,000. Barkhouse thanked another donor, Mike Graul, for his recent generous donation to the Foundation. Mike Graul serves as the incoming Executive Committee First Vice President and past president of the Geophysical Society of Houston. "I can't think of a better place to invest my money," Graul said. Click here for event photos Related Annual Meeting News: | | | |
