02/24/2026
Dear ISU Geography, Geology, Hydrogeology, and Environmental System Sciences & Sustainability (ESSS) Alumni and Friends,
Greetings from Felmley Hall! We are well into another exciting semester, and our students are hard at work, finishing projects and exams, applying for summer internships, preparing for field courses, and getting ready for Spring Break. Our Geography Teacher Education and Earth & Space Science students are deep into their clinical and student teaching placements, while many other students are finalizing research for upcoming professional conferences and the ISU Research Symposium.
This week, the University is gearing up for Birds Give Back on Thursday, February 26th, and once again our Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment is proud to participate. We invite you to join us in supporting the next generation of Redbirds and ensuring they continue to have access to meaningful experiences, opportunities, and resources.
As a small but mighty program, alumni and friend participation truly carries weight. Your support, at any level, demonstrates our graduates’ commitment to the success of current students. This year, I’m hopeful we can rally at least 100 donors, which would have a substantial impact on student research and enrichment.
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
This year we are highlighting five key initiatives:
1. Hydrogeology Research Fund
Supports graduate students conducting vital hydrogeological research and helps offset the rising costs associated with field and lab work.
2. John Wesley Powell Fund
Provides student funding for immersive field Geology experiences, including trips to Texas/New Mexico and our Geology Summer Field Course.
3. Patterson Family Fund
This initiative expands access to field based learning opportunities for Geography students that are central to our programs through trips to Baja California, Chicago, Texas/New Mexico, and Japan.
4. William “Bill” Shields Memorial Scholarship
Honors Bill by supporting internal and external transfer students entering the Geology major—helping them to transition smoothly and thrive academically.
5. Michael and Patricia Sublett Fund
Established by Professor Emeritus Michael Sublett and his wife Patricia, this fund assists Geography students with professional development and offers emergency support for those facing unexpected financial hardships.
A Challenge to Kick Off Birds Give Back
To help launch this year’s effort, I have personally committed $1,500 to Geography and $1,500 to Geology when each area reaches 50 gifts. No amount is too small, and every contribution, whether $5, $20, or more, moves us closer to unlocking these challenge gifts and directly benefits our students.
Thank you for investing in our programs and for continuing to champion ISU’s Geography, Geology, Hydrogeology and ESSS students. Your generosity has always been a hallmark of our alumni community, and we, and our students, are deeply grateful.
Go you Redbirds!
Eric Peterson
Chair
Celebrate Linda Saterfield ’77’s recent $35,000 gift supporting psychology students. When 750 gifts are made to the College of Arts & Sciences or any of its departments, we’ll reach the podium together. 🏅 Every gift counts — give for the gold!
