More than 60 AAPG Foundation Trustee Associates and their guests traveled to Colorado Springs recently for the 38th annual Trustee Associates meeting, which mixed business, networking and relaxation.
Trustee Associates Chairman Stewart Henry selected the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs as the site for the event, which ran Sept. 9-12.
"I think everyone really liked it," Henry said. "The Broadmoor is on everyone's list of top 10 resorts in the country – it's really famous."
Nearly 100 years old, The Broadmoor features golf courses, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, shops, spas and more, and has hosted celebrities, politicians and sports stars. The hotel is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Hotels of America.
The meeting followed the same successful schedule as in past years, Henry said. It started with a party on the evening of Sept. 9.
The following day began with a short business meeting where Bob Esser gave a short talk about the oil prices and the economy. Foundation Trustee Chairman Jim Gibbs and Executive Director David Curtiss provided updates on Foundation activities and programs, including the recently created U.S. Military Veterans Scholarship, followed by a day of golf and dinner and another day of off-site activities to various locations.
"It's usually just a fun meeting," said Henry, who added that a highlight for him was the Saturday evening dinner and awards banquet.
A Dallas-based investment group updated the Trustee Associates on the Foundation's assets and investments, Henry said. Another presentation featured the group Geologists Without Borders, an organization that supports humanitarian work around the world. Foundation awards and the Trustee Associates were updated on the distribution of scholarships, including the recently created U.S. Military Veterans Scholarship.
But the meeting wasn't all work and no play. As part of the activity selection, the Trustee Associates and their guests could choose from a variety of attractions, including the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel – a modern architectural marvel housing several different religious worship sites; an active mine; or they could stay close to the area and focus on their golf game.
"There's a lot to do in the immediate area, and we always play golf, and, of course, the golf courses are right there so we didn't even need to take a bus anywhere," Henry said.
A closing dinner on Saturday evening capped off the event.
Next year's Trustee Associates meeting is scheduled for Oct. 19-23 at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Hawaii. In 2017, the Trustee Associates will head to Rockport, Maine.
The Trustee Associates are the Foundation's major donor group and the annual meeting provides the Foundation with the opportunity to update the group on programs and activities, and acknowledge and thank the Trustees for their support of the Foundation, said Tamra Campbell, administrative coordinator for the AAPG Foundation.
"Many in the group not only support the Foundation financially through donations, but volunteer their time to serve the Foundation on various committees," Campbell said. "Along with getting updates on the Foundation business, the Trustee Associates have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. It was a great week filled with great conversation and laughter."
Established in 1967, the AAPG Foundation works to create and execute scientific and educational opportunities through tax-deductible gifts and contributions from AAPG members and corporate entities. The AAPG Foundation Trustees started recognizing a distinguished group of donors known as Trustee Associates in 1978.
Requirements to become a Trustee Associate include being invited by three Trustee Associates and contributing $15,000 to the AAPG Foundation over a five-year period.
There are more than 280 Trustee Associates today who support the AAPG Foundation, provide counsel and leadership, support fundraising efforts and guide the scientific and educational agenda. The Trustee Associates help support more than 30 funds and programs and are governed by bylaws.
At the end of the 2015 Trustee Associates meeting, a new group of officers took over. Richard D. Fritz is now chairman, Larry Jones is vice-chairman and Peter MacKenzie is secretary-treasurer.