BY AARON FOYER
APEGGA Student Columnist
University of Calgary
Geophysics Undergraduate Student Society

February 2010

Aaron Foyer is in his third year of geosciences getting degrees in both petroleum geology and geophysics. This is his second year on the executive of the Geophysics Undergraduate Student Society. He is currently vice-president of finances.

What is GUSS? The Geophysics Undergraduate Students’ Society is a student-run club creating social events and academic programs to enrich student experiences at the University of Calgary.

The club formed years ago as the geophysics brother of the U of C’s Rundle Club, one of the oldest societies at the university, outdating even the student’s union. GUSS briefly went under but is now revived. Now with an eager executive, the club has planned several events, established new programs and increased membership.

APEGGA student members Drew Fossen, GUSS, and Keegan Stoyles, Rundle Club, have been elected as presidents.

Drew has made great strides in GUSS revitalization, increasing membership and club presence in the geoscience department, which we hope will eliminate lack of participation in our student clubs. The executive moved quickly and has started to map out and plan the year’s events, including biannual squash tournaments, graduation, a ski trip, the ring ceremony, the Rock for the Gallagher fundraiser and many others.

The annual geoscience Christmas party was held at the Kensington Legion. A great chance for students, teachers and teaching assistants to put exams and lengthy labs aside, share in food, drink and bad geology puns to celebrate the season.

This year was marked by an early Saint Nick appearance admirably played by Dr. Larry Lines, P.Geoph., who handed out folly-gifts to well-deserving recipients. These “winners” had done something memorable – but probably not for the right reasons.

As well, GUSS, with the help of Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists and Darryn Listwan, have introduced mentorship program, pairing students with industry professionals.

Our fall squash tournament had many student participants. However, with the entry of Dr. Rajeev Nair, students were steamrolled on his road victory.

The University of Calgary’s geoscience clubs are happy to start work with Joli Fou, the Mount Royal University geology club. We worked together to organize GeoSkills, a day of geoscience technical talks for students and industry held recently in Calgary. The event offered talks geared toward student interest and include a student-industry mixer.

A joint ski trip to Panorama with GUSS, Rundle and Joli Fou gave us another chance to connect.