At the LSU Geology Field camp near Colorado Springs, Colorado, the six o’clock dinner bell is always a welcome sound. On June 26, 2008, LSU alumni, their families and friends each rang bells of their own as Mrs. Frances Barney cut the ribbon to open the newly constructed dining hall.

In addition to the dedication of the new facility, LSU Geology and Petroleum Engineering alumni came together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the field camp. President Emeritus and acting Chancellor William L. Jenkins, LSU Foundation President and CEO Major General William Bowdon and LSU College of Basic Sciences Dean Kevin Carman were all present to for the occasion.

New Dining Hall

Throughout its existence, the field camp has been maintained and updated by students during their attendance at the program. A campaign to secure funds for permanent renovations and endowments began in 2000.  1950 Geology alumni, Frank Harrison and Billy Tidwell served as co-chairs. Harrison was the first donor to the dining hall project.  Since then, 23 donors including Charles Barney, A. C. Winslow, Sugar Woods, Dolphe Gueymard, Stewart Henry, Robey Clark and Billy Harrison have contributed more than $400,000 to erect the new structure.

In 2007 Charles Barney, a 1949 Petroleum Engineering alumnus, made a pledge of $4.75 million to permanently endow and name the camp.   The overall campaign goal has been reached, and future plans to restore the camp include renovating or rebuilding student cabins, classrooms and infrastructure improvements. 

Since LSU students began going to the Colorado 80 years ago, the six weeks spent at field camp are among their most memorable experiences at the university for many geologists and petroleum engineers.

To commemorate the experience, most classes have left their mark on the camp by signing boards in the dining hall. Though the new facility has completely replaced the old building, the history has been preserved and all of the signed boards hang in the new hall.

Click here to view the photogallery from this event.