Dear esteemed members,
Did you make it to San Francisco for the National Meeting? I had a great time with my students and loved running into some of you there. I may be a bit partial, but I think that the Southwestern College Student Affiliate Chapter knocked their presentation straight out of the park! Whether it was their first time or their twentieth time, I congratulate all our local scholars and industry professionals who presented at a National Meeting. I would also like to recognize my colleagues Jim Shih, David Wallace, Surya De, and Jackie Trischman, for helping to run our Local Section booth at the National Meeting.
Election season has officially started! If you have been debating whether to take the plunge, there is no better time than now. Joining the San Diego ACS leadership is a great way to expand your professional network, make a difference in our community, and possibly make some new friends along the way. The Local Section thrives on diverse voices and viewpoints to ensure that it provides value to our members through high-quality social, professional, and academic opportunities. We also value diverse voices to serve as chemistry ambassadors to various communities within the general public. To declare your candidacy, all you need to be is a current dues-paying member of the ACS.
Did you know that even if you are a student affiliate member, you too can have a vote at the table? Students may serve as members-at-large. As a member-at-large, you would be able to give a voice to your corner of the wider chemistry community and ensure that the Local Section is managed as an inclusive organization. Your next Chair (pending member ratification) once upon a time started her ACS journey as a student affiliate member, then was elected as a member-at-large, and now will serve as the new face of our great chemically-minded community. Please see our infographic in this month’s issue of The San Diego Chemist or read our by-laws for details about what each open position entails.
Our main event for the month is the upcoming Annual Picnic, which will be held on September 23 at noon at San Dieguito Park, Picnic Area 1. I am excited to see so many members register for a day of good food, fun, and a family-friendly atmosphere. As of this writing, 115 people have signed up. Attendees will be treated to one of San Diego’s best taquerias, Chuchy’s Tacos. We will also hold a Dessert Contest. We will award some nice prizes for the top three entries. If you have not registered yet, the clock is ticking! Registrations will close by Friday, September 15. Click here while there is still time to get a spot for you and your family. This event is free for ACS members and their immediate families.
I wish our students, no matter where they are in their chemistry journey, a great year filled with learning and discovery. If you are not in school, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and prosperous month of September.
With gratitude,
Juan Gonzalez