Rocky Mountain Association Of Geologists Foundation
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The RMAG Foundation was established on December 31, 1975 by action of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists. Though creation of the Foundation post-dated the publishing of the Geologic Atlas of the Rocky Mountains (the “Big Red Book”), the experience with Atlas financing, and a realization of the scientific activities in which the RMAG might participate, caused some of the leaders of the Association to think that a foundation would be a valuable long term part of the RMAG. The primary purpose, therefore, in establishing the Foundation was to create a permanent entity to conduct educational, charitable and scientific activities related to or allied with the field of geology. These activities were to be associated with, or outside of, the normal functions of the RMAG. The funds which would allow the Foundation to fulfill its purposes would be from the earnings on investments of a principle sum that accumulate from contributions.
The assets of the Foundation come partly from reinvested earnings, but largely from 31 years of contributions from the members of the RMAG and related entities. To the extent that they are able, as determined by the amount of income available, the trustees have the sole responsibility for determining how much, and on what project, financial support will be granted. These purposes are broad enough to offer a wide range of activities that could be considered for financial support. The following is a partial list of projects and activities funded by Foundation in the form of grants, grant/loans or scholarships:
- Many RMAG publications
- “Teacher of the Year” teaching excellence awards (grades K-12)
- Science Fair Awards
- Undergraduate geology student awards
- Scholarships to graduate students in geology
- Grants to the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge
- Interpretative geologic road signs
- Contribution or grant/loan to aid in the formation of the Denver Earth Resources Library
- Contribution to RMAG for audio visual and desk top publishing equipment
The initial trustees of the Foundation were John P. Lockridge, Chairman, John W. Rold and Robert J. Weimer. Lockridge and Weimer served for thirteen years and the membership is indebted to them, and the other early trustees, for guiding the Foundation through its formative years. Others who have served as trustees are John Robinson, Matt Silverman, Charles W. Spencer, John M. Parker, James P. Rogers, David B. MacKenzie, Stephen M. Strachan, Harold E. Kellogg, Robert T. Sellars, Jr, and Dudley Bolyard. It has been the desire of each of these trustees that the Foundation be able to continually expand its asset base thus enabling an increasing fulfillment of its purposes in support of the science of geology.
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