Christopher Stefano of Ann Arbor recently had a very big day. It was a day to which his University of Michigan studies had been building…

…the day when he would defend his dissertation…

…when he would face a figurative firing squad of top academicians and assure them that he knows more than a little about the role of water in the melting that created the volcanoes in a hotspot beneath Yellowstone National Park.

At the end of the session, the geology professors declared Chris Stefano to be one of academe’s victors valiant – and someone who can be forever known as Dr. Stefano.

But that’s not what persuaded us to call Chris Stefano the winner of Adventure Inn’s “rock hound contest.”

After all, quite a few well-qualified people entered the contest or were nominated by others. Even a husband-and-wife geology team put forth a rock-solid pitch for the two-night stay we were offering.

What gave Chris the edge were the complimentary words of the U-M graduate program coordinator who nominated him. “Chris is our resident ‘rock geek,’” she said. “The office staff always forward inquiries to him He is amazing in his ability to tell you all about whatever rock you have in your hand, and he’s great at answering questions about geologic history.”

Dr. Stefano will remain at U-M for post-doctoral studies in his specialty, igneous petrology – which basically means that he studies volcanic rocks. And he’ll continue  traveling to collect specimens for his mineral collection.

Meanwhile, he’ll bring his wife to Adventure Inn in June and tell Nicholas and me everything we don’t know about the rocks on our beach.

Thanks to all who entered the contest. We’ve sent you a coupon for half off the second of a two-night stay at Adventure Inn.

Advertisement