River testing, chem shows, touring on ACS agenda
The activities list for the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society is a page long:
* testing the Little Vermilion River (next date Sept. 19)
* Phun Chem shows
* speakers
* the ACS national meeting in Anaheim, Calif.
* bus trip including tours and theatre
* bake sales
* parties
The list goes on and on, with a note at the bottom that "there may be more events added to the calendar."
Advisor Robert Byrne said, "We have a lot of activities planned which will be of interest to many students. The chem shows give the student members a chance to work with chemistry and interact with school children or other organizations."
Last spring, at the ACS meeting in Dallas, Texas, the local chapter received an Outstanding Award for the club’s activities. The award, the highest the ACS bestows, was presented to only 30 chapters at four-year or two-year colleges. Thirteen IVCC members attended that national meeting.
Secretary Julie Gula said that students studying in any area of chemistry are encouraged to join, but membership is open to any student who is interested. While stimulating interest in the sciences is one goal of the group, the local chapter also provides outreach to the community through volunteer projects.
"There are many opportunities for students to meet new people and learn about chemistry in a fun atmosphere," Gula said.
Students may be asked to pay for some activities, Gula said, but there are no membership fees. There is a fee to join the national organization, but members of the local affiliate do not have to join the national group.
Other officers for 1998-99 are: Rhiannon Petzel, president; Molly Henneberry, vice president; Pat Hansen, treasurer; Melanie Gleason, river testing; and Jamie Townsend, show coordinator.
The group, founded in 1963, is one of IVCC’s oldest organizations.
Sept. 17, 1998 the Apache