Administrator

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. Our top ranked programs provide a vigorous education with some of the top researchers and educators in the nation. Whether you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, a master's degree, a doctoral degree, or certificate, we have a program for you. Thank you for considering us for your education.

MAPS, for Meteorology Alumni of Penn State, was the first APG (Affiliated Program Group) formed in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. In 1999, The Department of Meteorology organized an alumni society, the first such "affiliated program group" in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS). The group, called MAPS (for Meteorology Alumni of Penn State), was officially approved by GEMS (the EMS alumni society, to which MAPS must report), and a steering committee for MAPS was established to help organize the group.

The goal of MAPS is to build a sense of community among meteorology alumni and current students, and to strengthen the contacts and collaboration between alumni and the department.

MAPS has undertaken several activities to achieve these goals. In June 2002, MAPS organized an Alumni Reunion Weekend to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Campus Weather Service. Approximately 150 Meteorology alumni, students, and faculty/staff attended the weekend-long event. Although no longer published, for several years, the MAPS Meteogram, a newsletter published by MAPS, kept Meteorology alumni up-to-date on department news and events. In 2010, MAPS organized and held the 75th Anniversary of the Department of Meteorology, which was attended by alumni from all over the country.  

If you'd like to become a member of MAPS (it's free and it does not obligate you to anything), please complete the Join MAPS/Update Your Address Form.

The Penn State Alumni Association is committed to recognizing alumni from across the academic spectrum, especially those from diverse backgrounds and those who are making a positive impact to ensure a truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution and the association offers a number of awards for outstanding alumni.

Please visit https://www.ems.psu.edu/alumni/awards-and-recognition/ems-alumni-awards to learn about awards and submission deadlines

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences honors alumni with two awards each year. Please visit https://www.ems.psu.edu/alumni/awards-and-recognition/ems-alumni-awards to learn about awards and submission deadlines

Colleen Swetland Alumni Achievement Award

The EMS Alumni Society gives the Colleen Swetland Alumni Achievement Award to recognize outstanding achievements by EMS alumni. Formerly called the GEMS Alumni Achievement Award, it was renamed in 2022 to honor Colleen Swetland, who retired as associate director of alumni relations the previous year. All alumni who have received undergraduate and graduate degrees from EMS are eligible for this award, and nominations will be accepted from the general EMS community (e.g., leaders of professional societies, business colleagues, EMS Faculty, EMS staff, friends, and family). Self-nominations are strongly encouraged.  

Charles L. Hosler Scholar Award

The Charles L. Hosler Alumni Scholar Medal was established in 1992 to recognize the achievements of alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the development of science through research, teaching, or administrative leadership with emphasis given to those who have earned doctoral degrees. The Hosler Alumni Scholar Award honors Dr. Charles L. Hosler, who retired from the University in 1992 as Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. To honor his work in meteorology and education and his many years as a faculty member, head of the department of meteorology, and dean of the college, this award was established to recognize the very highest levels of intellectual achievement or academic service attained by those educated in the college.

Many alumni, faculty, and friends have created endowments and scholarships designed to help students in the department.

Open to Undergraduate Students

There are many ways you can stay connected with the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State:

• Update Your Address/Join MAPS
• Order Transcripts
• Meet Alumni Team

Our fund-raising priorities include scholarships, fellowships, and facility upgrades that will enhance the education experience of our current graduate and undergraduate students or help to recruit bright, promising students into our program.

There are many ways that you can get involved with the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Please visit the links below to learn more:

• MAPS (Meteorology Alumni of Penn State)
• Volunteer
• Meet our Alumni
• GEMS Alumni Society