½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï

School of Rock

I find it appallingly amazing that ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï can conduct an environmental studies program [“Growing the Curriculum,” December 2010] with no apparent input from geology and related earth sciences. Surely geologic conditions and processes are an important factor in the environment. I graduated from ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï with a degree in chemistry, then went on to a career in environmental geology for more than 30 years. While the general education and specific chemistry training received at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï have been of great benefit to me through the years, I was at a distinct disadvantage in obtaining advanced degrees in the geosciences. I believe you are doing your students in the environmental sciences program a major disservice by not offering at least some exposure to geosciences, particularly in the areas of groundwater studies and geochemistry. Many vital environmental problems facing us today require a careful consideration of geosciences factors to solve them. Water supply, disposal of hazardous and nuclear wastes, and cleanup of contaminated sites are among those critical problems. Surely at least a visiting earth scientist would be of great benefit to the program.

Terry L. Steinborn ’68

Prescott, Arizona

Editor's Note: Terry’s point about the importance of geology and allied disciplines to this subject seems irrefutable; several peer institutions have anchored ES programs in their geology departments. Unfortunately, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï has no geology department; in the absence of the financial support necessary to create one, the faculty decided to set up ½ñÈճԹϒs ES program within its existing departments. If any readers feel compelled to remedy this situation, we encourage them to contact the development office.