The “public phase” of the AAPG Foundation’s Meeting Challenges and Assuring Success campaign is now in full swing as Foundation officials are now inviting members to join in the initiative of meeting its $35 million goal.
The “Meeting Challenges …” project – announced at the recent opening session in San Antonio by campaign co-chairs Larry Funkhouser and Jack Threet, and Trustee chair Bill Fisher – is intended to help continue the Foundation’s mission to provide funding for educational, charitable and scientific objectives that directly and indirectly benefit the geologic profession and general public.
The initiative’s origins actually date to early 2005, when Foundation leaders learned early that providing earth science education for K-12 students and teachers was one of the highest priorities of AAPG members.
That led to the start of the “quiet campaign,” Fisher said, when AAPG leaders met with members who could substantially support the campaign.
A major bequest at that time of $10 million to the Foundation by L. Austin Weeks, establishing the L. Austin Weeks Memorial Fund, was the campaign’s lead gift. Those leaders of the “quiet campaign” were Marta Weeks, Bill Crain, Ed Picou, Mike Party and Bob Ardell, as well as Foundation Trustees Fisher, John Amoruso, Bill Barrett, Marlan Downey, Jim Gibbs and Bill Gipson.
Now, the initiative is open to all members.
“Today the price of oil is at its highest and our industry is thriving,” Threet said. “Each person’s contribution to his or her profession can produce significant results.”
Funkhouser called the campaign “an investment in the future – not only for a stronger and better equipped earth science profession, but also for the betterment of mankind as well.
“We are all challenged to meet these needs,” he said. “With this campaign, the Foundation will be able to significantly expand support of K-12 education.
To date the campaign has received pledges and contributions totaling over $23,670,669.
To participate with a five-year pledge commitment, giving a gift of stock or additional giving options, please contact the Foundation office at 918-560-2644.
Three new members have been added to the rolls of the AAPG Foundation Trustee Associates. They are:
- Gene Ames Jr., San Antonio.
- Phil Laney, Houston.
- Bill Stephens, Wichita Falls, Texas.
Trustee Associates are important contributors to the AAPG Foundation’s mission, and their generosity continuously accelerates the Foundation’s ability to support new and ongoing geologic programs.
Membership in the Trustee Associates comes by invitation from three TA members, plus a commitment to contribute $12,500.
Trustee Associates are encouraged to invite other AAPG members to join the group by contacting Rebecca Griffin, Foundation administrative manager, at 918-560-2644.