On July 24, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed into law legislation designating a week in November as the GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK. The joint resolution, which is reproduced in full on the back of this brochure, was introduced in Congress by Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey, Senator Robert Stafford of Vermont, and Representative Leon Panetta of California. The resolution focused national attention on the importance of geography in our increasingly interdependent world. The resolution passed unanimously.
The Association of American Geographers, the National Council for Geographic Education and the National Geographic Society, along with a number of state Geographical Societies, have joined with college and university geography departments throughout the nation to coordinate a series of scholarly presentations, symposia, exhibits of cartography and other programs.
GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK 2009
November 16 – 20
ACTIVITIES AND LECTURES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Following the lead of national geographic organizations, the Geography Department at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is pleased to sponsor and present the following activities to commemorate the 23rd annual GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK:
• Geography exhibits in 216 Krebs Hall
• UPJ Geography Department – Open House
• Information on Graduate Schools
• Jobs in Geography
• Visits by graduates of UPJ Geography Department
• Departmental Dinner – Thursday, November 19, 2009
DAILY ACTIVITIES, LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
Monday, November 16th Noon and 1:00 p.m. in Krebs 216
“Using GIS to Solve Problems and Employment Opportunities in the Field” Presentation by Steve Kocsis, GIS Specialist, Information Systems Department, Cambria County, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kocsis was trained in GIS in the US Army.
Tuesday, November 17th 8:30 a.m. in Blackington 131 and 9:30 a.m. in Krebs 216
“Geography is Everywhere - Cross Section of the Discipline” Presentation by John J. Katana, Geography Teacher, Indiana Jr. High. Teacher Consultant PA Alliance Geographic Education. Co-Chairman, American-Sino Education Alliance. Mr. Katana earned a B.A. and a M.Ed. in Geography from IUP.
Wednesday, November 18th 2:00 p.m. in Blackington 131
“Geography in Local Government” Presentation by Bradley A. Zearfoss, Director of Somerset County Planning Commission, Somerset, Pennsylvania. Brad earned a B.A. in Geography from UPJ and an M.A. in Geography from IUP.
Thursday, November 19th 11:00 a.m. in Krebs 216
“Geography and Emergency Management” Presentation by Joseph Matthew Sernell, Technical Engineer for CONXX Wireless Multi-Service Network. Mr. Sernell earned a B.A. in Geography from UPJ. He was the President of the Geography Club for two years and is a consultant for Southmont and Geistown Boroughs.
Friday, November 20th Geography Department in Krebs Hall - OPEN HOUSE
Past GAW: November 17-21, 2008