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Two students receive $4,000 grant to conduct research in Moscow

Two undergraduate anthropology majors, Laura Recio and Rachel Asher, recently received a $4,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program grant to accompany Victor de Munck (Anthropology) to Moscow and conduct their own research there - - in conjunction with de Munck's work. The students will be in Moscow from June 14 to July 5. Both students expect to go to graduate school in anthropology, and this will serve as their first fieldwork experience.

The REU program aims to provide appropriate and valuable educational experiences for undergraduate students through research participation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specially designed for the purpose. REU projects feature high quality interaction of students with faculty and/or other research mentors and access to appropriate facilities and professional development opportunities.

Adjunct faculty member receives environment education award

Dr. Ilka List, an adjunct professor at New Paltz who teaches environmental education field studies and art in the environment classes, has received the Mohonk Consultations 2004 Environmental Achievement Award for her creative and distinguished work in environmental education in the Hudson Valley. Mohonk Consultations chose List because as a teacher of environmental and art education for most of her career, she has helped thousands of children and adults reach a new level of involvement and appreciation for the natural world. For her work, List has received numerous grants, fellowships and awards, including the New York State Outdoor Education"s Annual Best Outdoor Educator's Award.

Also an artist, List became interested in the ways that nature experiences influence children's development as expressed through their art. Her research on the subject became the basis for a doctoral degree from New York University. Combining both art and nature, she has written books for children and developed a child therapy practice.

Since 1984, Mohonk Consultations has presented their annual environmental award to recipients throughout the Hudson Valley. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1980 by the late Keith Smiley of Mohonk Mountain House, Mohonk Consultations is dedicated to bringing about a clearer understanding of the interrelationships of all forms of life on earth.

First Annual Geology Department Alumni Reunion draws 200

More than 200 alumni traveled from across the United States and overseas to attended the first Geology Department Alumni Reunion on April 24. Alumni from the mid-1960s through 2003 attended, along with a dozen undergraduates, the dean and associate dean of science and engineering, and four faculty members from the Geology Department.

Beginning with a cocktail party in Wooster Science Building, alumni became reacquainted with classmates they had not seen for decades. Then, the group walked across campus to the Student Union Building for a sit-down dinner and dancing. One highlight of the evening was a sound/slide show featuring geology majors and more than 40 years of departmental activities.

The undergraduates presented Martin Rutstein (Geology), organizer of the event, with a plaque and a gold-plated whistle, to be used on field trips. The award was for his mentoring and efforts in teaching students and hundreds of alumni about applied mineralogy and petrology. The alumni have generously begun a new scholarship in support of undergraduate education.

Martin Rutstein (Geology) accepts a plaque and a goldplated whistle from alumni, faculty and students for his mentoring and efforts in teaching geology on April 24 in the Wooster Science building.

Scholarship golf tournament -- fore!

The Sixth Annual SUNY New Paltz Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 28, at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston. The $200 individual-player fee includes breakfast, lunch, cart, prizes, give-aways, appetizer, beverages and the awards banquet dinner. Visit the tournament Web site for further details: www.newpaltz.edu/events/golf or call Bobbi Mark, x3370.