Message from the Chair
Welcome to the 2019 edition of the DU Geographer newsletter. I am proud to share with everyone the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty and students. I am always amazed by the sheer volume of professional contributions that are produced each year, and this past year is no exception. We’ve decided to simplify the newsletter this year, so please use the links in the Contents to access the articles (this way, we won’t overtax your email with a several-megabite file!)
This year is a special one for the department, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our founding. What began as a small department of two faculty has grown over the years into a formidable enterprise of 17 scholar teachers. Through the years, we’ve been at the leading edge of curriculum development, having been one of the first departments in the country to offer interdisciplinary environmental science degrees and a master of science degree in geographic information science (both on campus and online). And we continue to innovate as we develop new undergraduate degree programs in geospatial technologies and environmental sustainability, partner with faculty from other departments on interdisciplinary research endeavors, and involve our students in community engagement to benefit the public good.
Academic Year 2018-2019 was again highly productive. The faculty published 41 articles or book chapters and gave 38 conference presentations and invited talks. Our graduate students are publishing their research and presenting at conferences. Be sure to check out the list of faculty and graduate student publications and presentations in this issue of the newsletter. Our student numbers remain strong, with 59 graduate students, 149 environmental science majors, 52 geography majors, and over 100 students minoring in at least one of our programs (the most popular programs are sustainability, environmental science, geographic information science, and geography). We awarded 44 bachelors degrees (21 in geography, 23 in environmental science), 24 masters degrees (two MA (Geography), 22 MS (Geographic Information Science)), and two PhD degrees. Collectively, the department offered over 100 courses, totaling over 3500 student enrollments and generating over 10,000 credit hours of quality instruction. In addition to the traditional on-campus courses, we continued to offer courses online at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Travel courses remain popular; this year’s Field Quarter students visited the Colorado Western Slope, the Desert Southwest, the Czech Republic, and Baja California. Faculty also offered travel courses to South Africa, Peru, and Nicaragua. Be sure to check out our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on departmental happenings.
I would like to offer a sincere thank you to all of you who have taken the time to remember us with your thoughtful and generous gifts throughout the year. Your donations make it possible for us to offer a variety of special opportunities for our students, including field equipment upgrades, special hardware and software for our computer labs, and research and travel support for graduate students and undergraduates, all of which enhance the quality educational experience of our students. Your contributions are always greatly appreciated. Thank you!
We regularly update our alumni database and enjoy hearing from you and learning about what is happening in your lives. We are extremely proud of you, and hope that you will keep in touch. Better yet – join our LinkedIn Group to connect with students, faculty, alumni and friends of the department! We always enjoy visiting with our former students, so should you find yourself in Denver, please don’t hesitate to stop by the department. We especially hope to see you at many of our 75th anniversary events this coming winter and spring!!
On behalf of the faculty, staff and students, please accept our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a peaceful, prosperous, and productive 2020.
Michael Keables
Chair
