A TALE OF 25 YEARS OF PROFESSOR JOHN GEISSMAN'S FRIENDSHIP AND MENTORSHIP; PLUS A FEW INSIGHTS INTO THE TECTONICS OF WESTERN NEVADA, MAGMA EMPLACEMENT PROCESSES, AND COPIOUS LIFE DISCUSSIONS AT A PLACE ON CENTRAL AVENUE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM (Invited Presentation)

In the summer of 1995, I met Dr. John Geissman for the first time in Northrop Hall at the University of New Mexico. At that first meeting, I said "Hello Dr. Geissman, my name is Mike I'm your new Master's student from Ohio". His next words pretty much defined our relationship for the last two and a half decades, "Mike, my name is John, and that is the last time you call me Dr. Geissman". That was lesson one. A lesson that stuck with me over the years and a measure I insist on with my students today. We are all humans and our academic titles between each other really do not matter. What truly matters is ones character. As a professor, we are here to pass on the knowledge from our own experiences and what we have learned from our mentors. That was a gift that John gave me on day one of our professional relationship that has stood the test of time. We became solid friends before I finished my Master's degree in 1998. This session is in honor of John and aspects of his research (ancient magnetizations, paleopoles, tectonics, and other adventures associated with paleomagnetism and communicating that to the public). Here, I present a brief summary of the science that John introduced me to in 1994 and how that research has evolved along many facets. These studies involve tectonics in western USA, magma emplacement processes throughout the world, Neoproterozoic paleomagnetism, and many other endeavors. Without John's mentorship (friendship), and many refreshments at that Place on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, I would not be presenting here today in honor of John. Cheers Professor Geissman, may we have many long years of collaboration together!