Camala Garzione, Professor and Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology, wants students to know that she is pulling for them and feels an urgent need to help as they struggle with the disruption to their livelihood and education.

How did you first get involved in GSA?

My first experience with GSA was attending a GSA Section Meeting as a master’s student. I presented my first research talk. The community was warm and welcoming and provided great feedback on my master’s research.

What inspired you to give to GSA CARES?

I’ve seen the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and financial stability of our students at Rochester Institute of Technology. Every bit of support has helped to keep students connected and progressing in their educational goals. We discussed this opportunity to support students in the geosciences at the spring GSA Council meeting. Many Council members and I felt an urgency to help get this support out to students who were struggling with the disruption in their livelihood and education. We stepped up to help define a process for applying, make donations, and support the processing of applications.

What would you like to say to students affected by COVID-19?

We are all pulling for you. I know it is a very difficult time, but things will get better. Please stay connected with the GSA community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from our community members. Like all crises, this will pass, and you will be stronger and more resilient from having gone through this.

What would you like to say to others who want to help during this time?

Think back to your time as a student, whether it was an easy time or full of challenges. Imagine what it would be like to go through that time under the current circumstances. Donating to student support efforts will help ensure that the next generation can reach their educational goals and succeed. Their future is GSA’s future as an organization.