Local Section of American Chemical Society Celebrates 30 Years

VALDOSTA -- The Southwest Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society celebrated the 30th anniversary of its chartering during a meeting and dinner, held on Thursday, Sept. 22 at Valdosta State University.

The dinner was hosted by the VSU Chemistry Department and included several faculty members, scientists, students and professionals from chemical industries in the region. Dr. Linda de la Garza, associate professor and chair of the Southwest Georgia section, said that the event celebrated the section’s history, achievements and the highly-dedicated members who made the achievements possible.

Keynote speaker for the event was the 2011 ACS President Nancy Jackson, from the Sandia National Laboratory in New Mexico. During her speech, titled The State of Chemistry in the International Year of Chemistry, Jackson focused on the challenges and opportunities for chemists under the current economic situation and policies.

“Not only it is a good time to celebrate chemistry,” she said. “It is also a moment for us to reflect on the changes in the field of chemistry and all science that has been brought on by increasing globalization.”

After Jackson’s address, the section recognized members who were chosen as recipients of Outstanding Service awards. Recipients included Luz R. Marti of Tifton, Dr. Jack Steele of Albany and Optima Chemical Group of Douglas.

The section also recognized the following award nominees: Dr. Jim Baxter, Dr. Jesse Spencer, Dr. Lynn Wood and Dr. Betty Derrick, all of VSU; Dr. Linda Wood from Lowndes High School; and Dr. Subhash Goel, Dr. Jagvir Singh and Jeffery Fountain, all of Optima Chemical. Dr. Maurice Lindauer, a retired VSU professor, was recognized during the dinner as well.

The ACS is a professional organization for chemists, and is the world’s largest scientific society and one of the leading sources of authoritative scientific information. The Southwest Georgia Section covers cities and counties between Valdosta and Americus. The section focuses on promoting a better understanding of chemistry in the community. Upcoming outreach activities hosted by the section include demonstrations and hands-on activities during VSU’s Science Saturday on Oct. 8, as well as a movie presentation on the life of Madame Marie Curie on Nov. 11 at VSU and again on Nov. 12 at South Georgia Regional Library.

For more information on events and news about the local ACS section, visit http://sowega.sites.acs.org or contact Dr. Linda de la Garza at ldelagarza@valdosta.edu or (229) 333-5798.