Our club

Records indicate that the Rundle Group started up in 1964, a year after the development of the department, by three geology students: A. Gorveatt (President), C. Ibbotson (Secretary) and G. Wind (Vice President). Similar to the department, the number of executives and student members has expanded exponentially since its initiation. Today, the club has 8 executives, a handful of student representatives and over 200 active members.
The Club was named after the Rundle Group of rocks that can be found throughout the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The Rundle Group is mostly gray-weathering limestone and dolostone, with interbedded layers of shale, siltstone and sandstone. The Rundle Group can be identified by the large, gray cliffs that it forms due to its resistance to weathering. Some rock units within the Rundle Group are fossiliferous, containing fossils such as crinoids, corals and brachiopods. This rock group is named for Mt. Rundle, an infamous mountain located in the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the most photographed and recognizable mountain visible from the TransCanada Highway.

The Rundle Group, like many other clubs, was created to provide students with the chance to optimize their University experience. Rundle organizes several yearly events, such as “Rock for the Gallagher” (a fundraiser for the Gallagher Library), the Department of Geoscience Christmas Party, which is always visited by Santa, GeoSkills and the APEGA Graduation Ceremonies. Rundle also funds several field trips and tours for its members, including the Burgess Shale hike in Field, B.C.; trips to the Tyrell Museum; and funding for students to attend the Western-Inter University Geoscience Conference. Furthermore, Rundle acts as a contact for students to become members of professional groups such as APEGA, CSPG, CSEG and the MEG.
In addition to Rundle, the Department hosts the Geophysics Graduate Society (GAGGS). GAGGS also hold their own functions throughout the year, some of which the whole Department is involved with. The annual Photo Contest is a popular event for budding photographers in the department and the Robbie Burns Ceilidh is an exciting night of Scottish dancing (led by “Dr. Dave” Pattison), haggis and fun for all!
The Department of Geoscience has always been known for the closeness and camaraderie between professors, graduate students, undergraduates and staff. By offering these events, the clubs have ensured that this legacy may continue.