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May 31, 2005
Trinity Chemistry Club Wins 'Commendable' Award
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Trinity student David Levy teaches children about density at the Children’s Museum |
SAN ANTONIO - The Trinity University chapter of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has received a Commendable Award for activities conducted during the 2003-04 academic year.
More than 10,000 college students throughout the world are enrolled in the society's Student Affiliates program. About 30 Trinity students belong to the Trinity Chemistry Club, which is run by students. The outgoing president is Francine Cheng, a native of Sugar Land, Texas who graduated this month from Trinity.
Adam R. Urbach, assistant professor of chemistry and faculty adviser to the chemistry club, said members meet monthly to host seminar speakers who talk about career options for chemistry and biochemistry majors and to plan activities.
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Chocolate Day at Trinity - 2005-06 ACS President Julianne Hatfield mixing a batch of liquid nitrogen chocolate ice cream. |
Among the regular activities are biweekly science demonstrations at the Children's Museum, mentoring and tutoring programs for Trinity students, field trips to local chemistry-related facilities, fundraising, trips to scientific meetings, student-faculty socials, and huge gatherings for food and games on Mole Day, which is held during each fall semester to celebrate chemistry, and Linus Pauling Day, which is held each spring to commemorate one of the most important chemists of the 20th century. Dr. Pauling was a two-time Nobel laureate. On both celebration days, about 150 students and chemistry faculty gather in Trinity's Science Lecture Hall to eat pizza and cake and to play "Chemistry Jeopardy." Professor Urbach said quizzes on Pauling trivia were given for extra credit in all chemistry classes.
Goals of the club, Professor Urbach said, are to serve Trinity students and the local community through science education, to promote student awareness and involvement in chemistry, and to make science fun.
The ACS also commended chemistry Professors John Spence and Chris Pursell, faculty advisers to the chemistry club during the time the society was evaluating the group. In announcing the award, ACS president Charles P. Casey said, "Few faculty members are willing to make the great commitment of time and energy that a successful chapter requires of its advisers. Professors Spence and Pursell's efforts certain represent the best in undergraduate science education and mentoring around the country."
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ProfessorChris Pursell with officers Gretchen Vincil (’08) and Vicki Tang (’05) at Linus Pauling Day |
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