by Sandeep Burman, MGWA President
So here we are…my final newsletter article as MGWA President. It has been an incredible honor and joy serving in this capacity for 2023 and seeing the many achievements of the Association over this past year. We enjoyed two wonderful conferences, one virtual and one in-person. Both conferences highlighted the deep connections the groundwater profession has with ensuring that public water supplies in Minnesota are amongst the safest and most reliable in the nation. The fall conference showcased the great advances that have been made in the last fifty years in the area of public water supplies, and the tremendous role that advances in groundwater science and groundwater professionals have played in this. It was truly a trip down memory lane as we explored the fifty years of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the impact it has on groundwater supplies in the state. Helping us appreciate this were several distinguished speakers who came out of retirement to provide us fascinating insights into how groundwater science, policy and tools evolved during their amazing careers, helped in no small measure by their own contributions. It was truly an inspiring event for those of us that are still working and a great reminder that in Minnesota we do indeed stand on the shoulders of giants of the groundwater profession.
As I pass the baton to the incoming President, Rebecca Higgins, I do so with a great sense of gratitude and appreciation towards all the MGWA Board Members. They all generously volunteer their time and talents to keep the association successful and ever evolving in tune with the world around us. I do hope that you will see it fit to consider joining the Board and expressing interest in the open positions for 2024, President-Elect and Secretary. Past President Jere Mohr and Secretary Michael Ginsbach end their terms at the end of the year, after having made great contributions the past few years to the association. I am deeply indebted to them for their service. The MGWA Management Team of Jennie Leete and Sean Hunt of course remain the heart and soul of the association, and no words can adequately express the debt we owe them for keeping MGWA operational through decades of excellent and efficient service. I know they will provide the same support to incoming President Rebecca Higgins as they did to me during my term as President. They made my task easy! Treasurer Eric Bunge and Newsletter Editor Sherri Kroening continue to do amazing work. We are fortunate that their terms continue on the Board through 2024 and they will provide continuity and consistency in those critical areas.
I would also like to recognize the terrific work that the volunteer members of the MGWA Committees – Education, White Paper and Newsletter, and the members of the MGWA Foundation continue to do. 2023 was a very busy year for all of them, and they all accomplished much to advance the cause of groundwater in Minnesota, as well as to assist groundwater students and professionals. I look forward to staying engaged with them next year in my capacity as Past – President. Again, it is this spirit of volunteerism which we see so strongly in the committees that makes MGWA a vibrant and successful organization. I am confident that many amongst you will continue to step up and keep the committees and the foundation strong and active.
Finally, as we head towards the close of 2023, I want to wish you a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year! Working with you this year has been a joy and a privilege. I am excited to see what we can achieve together next year!
MGWA is committed to developing a just, equitable, and inclusive groundwater community. Click on the button below to read MGWA’s full diversity statement.
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