George Sideris was a beloved member of the Biology Department who passed away in the Fall of 2007 after a losing his fight to pancreatic cancer.  George was well loved and highly regarded for many reasons.  He gave his time freely to both students and colleagues, serving several terms on the Executive Committee of the LIUFF.  What he is most remembered for are the field trips he took each year.  As part of their studies, he would take groups of students to such places as Costa Rica, the Galapagos, Greece, Italy and many others.  They would conduct field real life field research in biology while also broadening their horizons and enriching their lives in untold ways. These trips formed lasting bonds and the outpouring of love by students, faculty and staff at George's memorial was truly touching.

During the memorial service, the LIUFF pledged $1,000 to start a fund for student travel in George's honor.  At a meeting on December 16th, 2009, the Administration formally set up this fund.

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial suport for students to participate in international field research in biology and to study the state of various fragile ecosystems, a cause to which Dr. Sideris dedicated his life.

This fund will not succeed without your support!

We are asking faculty to make a monthly commitment in order to make the fund an perpetual endowment.

• Contributions to the George Sideris Memorial Travel Fund are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
• University policy is that a minimum of $30,000 is needed to establish a permanently endowed fund
• Endowed funds are calculated to pay 5% return every year, so a $30,000 fund would be able to provide $1,500 per year in travel grants
• A three year commitment is suggested.  You may change the dates on the Payroll Deduction Form to suit your comfort level.
• If you can not afford a three year committment, cheques can be made out to Long Island University, with "George Sideris Memorial Travel Fund" placed in the "memo" line.