—Mike Hulst and Mike Block, Symposium Co-Chairs
Check out more photos by Shawn Calendine. Thanks to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, and raffle prize contributors!
Well, the 33rd Annual Symposium has come and gone, and it proved to be very successful. The Phoenix Chapter hosted the event with help from volunteers from Tucson and the corporate board. This year’s keynote featured Bruce Babbitt on “Rural Water Management” was highly attended. The talk outlined the history and challenges in developing local water management in rural Arizona counties, its current status, and possible options. View Bruce’s recorded Zoom presentation.
Sarah Porter and Kathleen Ferris, guest speakers from Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU, spoke on their recent paper “The Myth of Safe Yield,” which created substantial interest and dialogue. The 14 technical sessions were wide-ranging in topics, informative, and well attended. Approximately 180 people attended each day as in-person attendance was limited for safety concerns because of the pandemic. A total of 21 posters were presented by students and professionals. Lastly, 13 teachers attended remotely for the Project WET workshop funded by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County and CAP.
Our Thursday luncheon featured Chuck Cullom (CAP) and Andrew Volkmer (SRP). Mr. Cullom updated the attendees on CAP’s drought mitigation efforts for next year and planning underway for future years. Mr. Volkmer provided data on the 2021 winter and monsoon seasons and an update on SRP water supplies.
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 AHS academic and AHS mentor scholarships funded by the Arizona Hydrological Society Foundation, the poster competition funded by CAP and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, and the CAP research paper competition. The future is in the good hands of those that follow us.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Marvin Glotfelty for his many years of valuable contributions to Arizona hydrology, AHS, educational efforts to professionals, and his national recognition.
Oh, let’s not forget the surprised Mike Block, who received the fifth AHS Outstanding Service Award. Mike thanked the sponsors and exhibitors, AHS officers, and students who make AHS the success it is.
A Footnote…
Organizing an event like this is a monumental undertaking. Thanks to the following people who made it all possible:
- Mike Hulst and Mike Block, who co-chaired the symposium, organized the program schedule, coordinated with the venue, and oversaw all committees, among other tasks that are too numerous to enumerate; Mike Block also spearheaded our fundraising efforts with sponsors and exhibitors (not to mention a fantastic raffle and auction that raised $2,080, plus a $275 donation from In-Situ for a total of $2,355 to the AHS Foundation) and Mike Hulst who managed all on-site venue logistics for the event.
- John Villinski, our symposium treasurer, a rock of sanity, who kept our expenses in check, and provided assistance to the two Mikes when called upon (i.e. tried to keep them from losing their minds).
- Paula Toomey, who managed on-line registration, communication, outreach activities, and worked as the on-site symposium coordinator.
- Nancy Riccio, who created the website, abstract submission portal, and digital program.
- Lori Block, who updated the website, including adding the casino night section, as well as producing sponsor slides, signage, and flyers.
- Dr. David Sampson, who did an amazing job of herding speakers, loading presentations, and managing abstracts. He also stepped in on audio visual issues to keep the talks flowing smoothly.
- Marla Odom, who organized an amazing awards luncheon.
- Mike “aka Cajun Billy Bob” Hulst, our raffle prize announcer and auctioneer.
- Shawn Calendine, the symposium photographer.
- All of our 16 moderators and 3 awards presenters.
- Our student poster chair, Chris Brooks, and judges Justin Clark, Michael Fulton, Bryon Baden and Chris Brooks.
SAVE THE DATE – The 34th Annual AHS Symposium will be September 14th to 17th in Tucson at the Casino del Sol Resort. See you then!