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FLC alumnus gives major gift to new Geosciences, Physics and Engineering Hall
“I can’t think of a better place,” says Chuck Baltzer (’82 Geology) when asked about studying geology at Fort Lewis College. And to ensure FLC remains a premier geology school, Mr. Baltzer is giving $90,000 to support FLC’s new Geosciences, Physics and Engineering (GPE) Hall that is currently under construction on campus.
Over the last three decades, Mr. Baltzer has used his Fort Lewis College degree in geology to not only survive the tumultuous economics of the natural resources industry but also adapt to changes in the world and thrive. In fact, during one job interview, a question asked of him by his potential employer stuck in his mind: “How come Fort Lewis geologists are so good underground?”
“I know that the Fort Lewis geologist comes out with a better rounded geological education than what I’ve found with other geologists I’ve encountered in my career,” Mr. Baltzer says.
“I was really stunned at the education I was getting,” he recalls of his time at FLC, “and the affordability of it.”
Today, Mr. Baltzer runs Environmental Support Services in Evergreen, CO. His company works with the mining industry to, as he puts it, “keep the environmental impacts of mining contained within the mine.”
He agrees with the vision that the new GPE Hall is a facility that will provide a state-of-the-art education, further adding that it will also provide motivation for FLC students to study the geosciences.
“You’ll see the phenomenal beauty of the landscape surrounding Durango that can be better appreciated by understanding the underlying geology,” he says, imagining the views from the GPE Hall classrooms and labs. “That’s why I’m a big backer of this building.”
“I’m really big on the physical setting of education. That’s important to me,” he explains. “I look at the design of the labs and the views from the labs, and I’m thinking: this is inspiring.”
$80,000 of Mr. Baltzer’s gift will go toward a lab and a student study library within the new building. The remaining $10,000 will support FLC Geosciences Department research projects.
Fort Lewis College’s new $35 million Geosciences, Physics and Engineering Hall is taking shape on the west side of campus. When completed in 2016, the 60,000 square foot facility will be the new home of three of FLC’s strongest academic programs.
The Fort Lewis College Foundation, the organization responsible for raising private support for the College, is tasked with contributing $4.2 million for the new building.
For more information on the GPE Hall and how you can support FLC students, visit www.fortlewis.edu/foundation. As always, you can follow the progress of the GPE Hall by visiting www.fortlewis.edu/Home/About/Campus-Webcam.aspx.