California State University, Sacramento, (CSUS) and the Water Resources Division, United States Geological Survey (USGS), have joined in a partnership that has resulted in a five story, 80,000 square foot joint teaching and research facility. This new building, on the CSUS Campus, is home to the Geology Department and their new teaching labs as well as the Water Resources Division of the USGS.

The Geology Department at CSUS has embarked on a comprehensive fund raising campaign to equip the teaching and research facilities in Placer Hall. This campaign has already received contributions from the California Minerals Education Foundation, The Grundfos Pump Corporation, and Instrumentation Northwest in addition to support from public and private granting agencies and individual contributions. The W.M. Kech Foundation gave $221,000 and Homestake Mining Company gave $133,315. This amounts to a little more than half of the $600,000 earmarked for the campaign.

Over the years, the CSUS Geology Department has been a supporter of GRA. They have co-hosted seminars and short courses. We have been able to use the campus facilities, including their well field for demonstrations. This well field was installed by the Department of Toxic Substances Control for teaching purposes. The well field consists of six monitoring wells and an extraction well. Apparently it is the largest facility of its kind in the nation, and allows students of all levels to combine theory with practical experience. This well field is also used by the USGS for instruction of proper sampling techniques.

Two GRA Board members are on the Campaign Committee to help raise funds. Vicki Kretsinger recently joined the campaign committee. Brian Lewis has been on the committee for the past two years. This is a unique opportunity for geology students at CSUS and for others, including GRA members, who want to take short courses to continue their education. Please join us in supporting this partnership between the University, government, and private industry. If you would like more information on how gifts from individuals and corporations can be made at all levels, contact Vicki or Brian.

GRA members are invited to the opening ceremonies on April 18th. The following day, the GRA Board will have their next quarterly Board Meeting, April 19th, in the new building. The Sacramento Branch of GRA will hold one of their meetings in the new building too. If you would like more information regarding either the opening ceremonies or the Board meeting, contact either Vicki or Brian.

We are excited about the potential of this new partnership and hope you join us on April 18th to celebrate the opening of the new building.