Exploring Mars, 50 years and counting
In early September, EPS hosted a career celebration for Raymond E. Arvidson, now the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor Emeritus. The multi-day event included a departmental open house, a reunion for alumni of the Pathfinder Program in Environmental Sustainability, and a public lecture where Arvidson shared highlights, reflections, and driving lessons gained from a half century of investigating the red planet.

Raymond Arvidson delivering a research colloquium on Sept. 8th. (Photo: Kun Wang)

EPS faculty, staff, and students gather at Brookings Hall. (Photo: Sudon Choe)

Raymond and Eloise Arvidson with their sons and the Mars Rover during the EPS Open House. From left to right: Lars, Tim, Eloise, and Ray Arvidson. (Photo: Sudon Choe)

Graduate students and postdocs present research posters during the EPS Open House in Rudolph Hall. (Photo: Josh Valeri)

Oliver Bult, son of 2000 Pathfinder alum Velma Gentzsch, watches as Paul Carpenter demonstrates the capabilities of the microanalysis facility. (Photo: Josh Valeri)

From left to right: Raymond Arvidson, Beth Sparks, Phil Skemer, and Ellie Moreland. (Photo: Kun Wang)

Eloise Arvidson (center) chats with Pathfinder alumni at the Pathfinder reunion on Sept. 10th. (Photo: Sudon Choe)

Pathfinder alumni on a hike at Don Robinson State Park. (Photo: Heather Navarro)

Group photo of Pathfinder alumni at the South 40 on Sept. 10th.