Thanks to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, and raffle prize contributors!
Well, the 32nd Annual AHS Symposium has come and gone, and it proved to be very successful. The Tucson Chapter hosted the event, with help from volunteers from Phoenix, Flagstaff, and the Corporate Board.
This year’s plenary session, “DCP Update,” was well attended and provided the history and challenges in developing Arizona’s Drought Contingency Plan, its current status, and upcoming steps. Panelists included Clint Chandler (ADWR), Ted Cooke (CAWCD), Paul Orme (Pima County Agriculture), and Tim Thomure (Tucson Water). Sara Porter (Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU) did a wonderful job of moderating.
The 21 technical sessions were wide-ranging in topics, informative, and well attended. Approximately 320 people attended the symposium, with an additional 12 folks for the GoldSim modeling workshop and 17 teachers for the Project WET workshop. Approximately $600 was raised for AHSF at the GoldSim Workshop — thank you, Jason Lillywhite!
Our Thursday luncheon featured political cartoonist and columnist David Fitzsimmons (Arizona Daily Star) who entertained the packed ballroom by sharing his perspectives on Arizona hydrology and his water- and desert-themed cartoons. Fitz kept the audience laughing. After his presentation, he turned to grill select individuals from the audience on why they chose hydrology as a profession, all the while drawing their caricatures. Gosh, we saw many attendees trying to hide under the tables or avoid making eye contact with Fitz, not wanting to be the next victim. The victims did receive their caricatures, autographed by the artist, in payment for being good sports.
The Friday luncheon awards ceremony was, as always, heartfelt and emotional. As expressed by AHS Corporate President Mike Hulst, recognizing students for their contributions to hydrology is probably our most fulfilling charge as a society. Students received their awards for the academic and intern scholarships, poster competition (CAP/AHSF and van Essen Instruments), and the CAP research paper competition. The future is in the good hands of those that follow us.
Oh, let’s not forget the surprised and emotionally moved Marla Odom, who received the first-ever AHS Service Award. Marla had all of the past and present AHS officers, symposium chairs, intern scholars, and co-workers stand so she could thank them for being the ones that have inspired her to be the best she can possibly be and to continue to inspire her to “keep paying it forward.”
Lastly, the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Bill Greenslade for his many years of valuable contributions to Arizona hydrology and the profession. For many in AHS, Bill has been, and continues to be, a mentor in the development of young professional careers and hydrologic expertise.
A Footnote…
Organizing an event like this is an enormous undertaking… really. Thanks to the following people who made the 2019 AHS Symposium possible:
- Mike Block and John Villinski, who co-chaired the symposium, organized the program, coordinated with the venue, and oversaw all committees, among other tasks that are too numerous to mention; Mike also spearheaded our fundraising efforts with sponsors and exhibitors and John managed all financial aspects and venue logistics for the event.
- Nancy Riccio, who managed all registration, communication, and outreach activities, which included creating and managing the website, abstract submission portal, and digital program, and producing the sponsor slides, signage, and flyers.
- Erin Gray, who did an amazing job of herding speakers, loading presentations and managing abstracts.
- Marla Odom, who organized the awards luncheon and Project WET Teacher’s Academy and who created the event sponsor poster boards.
- Michael McCasland at Tucson Water for printing and mounting the speaker poster boards.
- Our registration and check-in staff — Cindy Martinez, Mekha Pereira, Nancy Riccio, Beth Scully, John Villinski, and Lori Block.
- Emily Vanaskey, who coordinated Casino Night.
- Mike Hulst, our MC and raffle prize announcer.
- Alan Dulaney and Vicky Campo, the symposium photographers.
- All of our 22 moderators and 6 awards presenters.
- Wally Wilson for helping with exhibitor setup.
- Our student poster coordination team, Victoria Hermosilla and Brianna McClure, and judges Brianna, Victoria, and Mitch Basefsky.