2007 Candidate for Alternate Councilor: Henry Gysling

As a professional organization the American Chemical Society faces several challenges, especially at the Local Section level, to maintain its relevance and vitality. At the local level, where my interests center as a member of the Executive Committee, I believe our primary responsibility is to provide programs and services to our ca. 1000 Section members that promote their professional development. This is especially critical in the current economic situation, with downsizing a way of life, as well as in the technology arena, where R&D is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. Section initiatives such as the monthly Networking Mixers, which the Section began last year, and similar programs that can provide an opportunity for Section members to meet in informal venues and make technical and social contacts are, I believe, critical for the vitality of our Section. Technical programs such as the Harrison Howe Award and its associated Symposium, as well as the Fall Symposium, are also programs that I believe should be strongly supported by the Executive Committee. In addition to these professional development programs, I strongly support the education outreach programs of our Section. The Annual High School Recognition Nights, the Adopt-a-School. Programs, the Adventures in Chemistry and Physics demonstrations program, the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium are all examples of the excellent efforts in this area offered by the Section and many dedicated members. During my years of involvement in the Rochester Section I have been actively involved in all of these programs and would continue to strongly support and strengthen them.