The IUP student chapter of the American Chemical Society is donating $1,000 to United High School for use in its chemistry program.
While making the presentation, IUP students and the chapter advisor, Nathan McElroy, will do a chemistry demonstration and talk about opportunities to study chemistry. McElroy is an associate professor of Chemistry at IUP.
The IUP chapter offers free chemistry tutoring four nights a week and raises funds with weekly sales of hot dogs and T-shirts. Each year, the club makes a $1,000 donation to a local elementary or high school science program, provides demonstrations at local science fairs and recruiting events, and takes part in National Chemistry Week at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.
In recognition of its activities, the American Chemical Society has recognized IUP's ACS student affiliate as an Outstanding Student Chapter for its activities during the 2010-2011 academic year. This is the highest ranking that the national organization awards to student chapters.
Student chapters are recognized for conducting programs and activities that impact members, their chapters, the program, the public, and the greater chemistry community. IUP's group includes more than twenty members.
In recognition of the rating, IUP's club will be featured in an upcoming Chemical & Engineering News, a weekly publication, and in the November/December issue of inChemistry, the monthly student member magazine. Winning chapters will also be honored at the 243rd ACS National Meeting in San Diego in March 2012.
This is the fourth national award for the club, which received honorable mention for the 2006–2007 and 2008–2009 academic years and a Commendable award for 2009-2010.
“The Outstanding Chapter Award by the national ACS is a great honor for the club,” McElroy said. “I couldn't be more proud of these students and of the exceptional work that they do for the department, the university, and the local community.
“The year 2011 was designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Chemistry, and the club members have been very creative in their promotions and demonstrations of their discipline. We are fortunate to have such dedicated students at IUP.”