A MESSAGE
from the Dean
Nicholas Giordano
The Auburn University campus is full of students
and the energy they bring, and we have more than
4,800 new freshman students, the largest freshman
class ever, breaking a record set only last year. This is a
great testament to the value of an Auburn degree. We
have worked hard to give our students an outstanding
experience both in and out of the classroom, and
prospective students and their parents know it. Our
challenge is to keep improving the quality of an Auburn
education. This is a particularly important goal for the
College of Sciences and Mathematics, since we teach
the core science and mathematics courses for students
from all disciplines.
This issue of Journey magazine offers us a chance to
reflect on the success of COSAM and several of its
alumni, and also look forward to an exciting future.
I am sure you will enjoy the story of two graduates
from our Geology program, Herb Martin and Art
Merkle. We are certainly proud of all that they have
accomplished in their careers, and we are also grateful
for their loyal support of our college. Herb and Art
have given generously of their time as members of
the COSAM Dean’s Leadership Council and the
Geosciences Advisory Board, and they have helped us
chart the future of COSAM and the Department of
Geosciences.
I hope that you will also help us chart this future.
As you know, Auburn University is now engaged in
an exciting campaign, Because This is Auburn, to raise
funds for the many new and important initiatives that
we have planned for the future. These initiatives are
essential for us to maintain Auburn as a preeminent
university. I invite you to join us in this important and
exciting journey.
War Eagle!
Nick Giordano
Dean
College of Sciences and Mathematics
4
Journey/Fall: 2015