Student Affiliates Chapter of the American Chemical Society Ranks in Top Three Percent Nationwide

KINGSVILLE (October 31, 2005) — The Student Affiliates Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville has achieved national distinction for its chapter activities for the tenth consecutive time. The student organization has been selected to receive an Outstanding Award for its activities during the 2004-2005 academic year.

Only 32 university ACS chapters have been granted an Outstanding Award for the year, putting the A&M-Kingsville chapter in the top 3 percent of all ACS Student Affiliate chapters nationwide. There are more than 950 chapters in the United States and Puerto Rico with approximately 9,000 student members.

The Outstanding Award is the highest category given, and the student chapters are not broken down into divisions based on university size or chapter size. The local chapter thus outranked chapters from A&M-College Station, UT-Austin, and Rice University, among others.

To be considered for an award, the student chapter must submit a report describing its activities for the year. Among the chapter's many activities were: running a science club for 80 first, second, and third graders at a local elementary school, adopting a two-mile stretch of local highway, and participating in many area beautification projects.

Chemistry-related activities were abundant this year. Club members planned activities and demonstrations during National Chemistry Week, decorating Nierman Hall to fit last year's theme of "The Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Beyond." They were frequent attendees ar the monthly American Chemical Society South Texas sectional meetings, learning about various areas of chemistry from national speakers. Upperclassmen in the club provided tutorial assistance to students in general organic and general chemistry.

Officers for the SAACS chapter at A&M-Kingsville for 2004-2005 were: Sheila Slaughter, president; Amanda Barela, vice president; Trisha Curran, secretary; Zeilia Zavala, treasurer; Juan Garcia, historian; Julie Nanasy, historian.

Officers for the SAACS chapter at A&M-Kingsville for 2005-2006 were:Matt Flores, president; Amador Cantu, vice president; Juan Garcia, secretary; Sandy Molina, treasurer; Nereyda Facundo, historian; Daisy Cantu, historian.