UW President Tom Buchanan has directed the University of Wyoming Geological Museum
to reopen on Aug. 24 on a part-time basis for public visits.
The UW Foundation has identified and offered private funding to pay for security
so the Geological Museum can be open to UW visitors through the coming academic year.
"I remain fully committed to meeting UW's budget reductions and intend to achieve
savings in our state appropriation from the museum's operations," UW President Tom
Buchanan says. "I am grateful to the Foundation for providing the resources needed
to keep the doors open to the public."
The museum closed June 30 as one of a series of steps taken to meet an $18.3 million
state budget cut that took effect July 1. Buchanan says UW administrators are working
hard to minimize the impact of recent budget reductions on students, faculty, staff,
the community and the state of Wyoming.
"The generous assistance of Vice President Ben Blalock and the UW Foundation will
allow us to respond to concerns the museum would remain closed to alumni, tourists,
school children and families. Although the museum will not be open on the same basis
it was before July 1, this approach meets the most pressing desires for access articulated
by the public," Buchanan says.
Buchanan has initiated steps to identify a financially sound future for the museum
and will direct a campus group to develop a plan for the display collection no later
than the end of the fall semester. The plan will also address the extent to which
the research and display collections can mesh with UW's broader academic mission,
especially in earth and energy sciences and in science education.
For more information call Jessica Lowell, (307) 460-0604.
Posted on Saturday, July 18, 2009