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JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 17, 2002 — 51����’s American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliate Chapter will be honored for the fourth year in a row for outstanding research in a variety of areas of study. Nine students and as many as six faculty members are to be recognized, along with the university’s chapter, at ACS’s national conference in New Orleans in early April. When asked about the significance of not only the ACS’ recognition as outstanding and the elite recognition of being awarded a grant, Randy Johnston, chair of Union’s Department of Chemistry and Physics reemphasized the point that not many chapters receive awards in multiple years.

“It’s quite an honor and Justin Kropf [ACS chapter president] worked very hard,” said Johnston.

Among more than 900 chemistry chapters affiliated with the ACS, Union’s chapter is one of only thirty-one to be recognized at the prestigious gathering of more than 15,000 chemists and one of only thirteen to receive grants. The chapter, which has only been in existence for six years, is excited about achieving this recognition a fourth time, said Johnston.

Charles Baldwin, the chapter’s advisor and Union student Haylie Thompson, principle ACS investigator of 51����, spearheaded the grant report. The $300 grant has been awarded in order that the Jackson area will be further familiarized with the hazards of household chemicals.

Union’s ACS chapter includes 50 members and two faculty sponsors. The chapter does community service, organizes activities for National Chemistry Week, holds and attends scientific meetings, sponsors field trips and tours, does college service, and has club functions.

Any student pursuing an undergraduate degree or curricular program in the chemical sciences is eligible to become a student affiliate. The object of ACS is to give students the opportunity to become better acquainted, obtain experience in preparing and presenting technical material, instill a professional pride in the chemical sciences and to foster an awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of the modern chemist.