2015 President Janet Rasmussen

2015 - Janet Rasmussen

I first began coming to GSOC meetings over 20 years ago. Right away I knew had found “my people.”

Now, a second term as GSOC President has allowed me to pursue several goals made easier by having previous experience in the office. One goal was to increase our membership by speaking out at our Friday evening meetings to encourage and welcome newcomers. There have been more new members than ever due to social media outreach. A second was to get more involvement from Portland State University Geology Department, in part by seeking speakers from the retiring, current and new faculty members. Both of these goals succeeded.

A third goal was to lead a field trip to one of our most remote areas of the state. I contacted many geologists who had worked in SE Oregon, but none were available to come so far—though many were tempted. Instead, they offered support and technical advice, even unpublished material, from which I could compile a field guide and lead the trip myself. I had not learned so much since getting my degree, and it was a great pleasure to make several scouting trips to the area as well. Local folks were very helpful as well and generous with their time and expertise. Bonds were forged with local residents of SE Oregon as well, which will only strengthen with time.

GSOC is a source of wealth: friendship, adventure, travel, and the latest science.

Historical note from Carol Hasenberg in 2024:

This was Janet’s second term as president of GSOC. The highlight of this presidential term was the President’s field trip to Steens Mountain area in September 2015. Shown is a picture of Janet on that trip.