SAACS Club Mission

The Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS) represent a group of highly motivated students who have a desire to investigate how chemistry effects our everyday lives. Book knowledge can be learned from lectures and laboratory exercises, but SAACS wants to know the how and why of chemistry on a global scale. What are the new breakthroughs? How can cutting edge technology advance research possibilities? What effect will breakthroughs and technology have on the world? These are only a few of the questions asked by concerned members of SAACS. As a unified club we try to advocate critical thinking on controversial scientific issues. We also encourage interactions between students and support new friendships. SAACS remains in contact with the American Chemical Society via e-mail so we are brought up-to-date with any new events and special opportunities.

After being inactive for many years the SAACS club was rejuvenated by Dr. Olivier-Lilley during the 1998-1999 academic year. The first year boasted many excellent activities including the 1^st annual panel discussion series and a trip to the 217^th American Chemical Society conference in Anaheim, California. The 1999-2000 SAACS club will follow in the previous year’s success. The council members for the new academic year have planned a recruitment ice cream social, a chemistry demonstration at Balboa Park in San Diego (ChemExpo 99), missions trips to Mexico, a SAACS club research project, and attendance at the 219^th American Chemical Society conference. At the 219^th ACS conference the SAACS club will present a research poster at the undergraduate conference.

Many new and exciting discoveries are happening everyday in the world of chemistry. Students should be able to learn of these discoveries in an atmosphere conducive to a higher level of thinking. The SAACS club is such an atmosphere. SAACS wants to harness the potential of students and at the same time form the leaders that will guide America through the next century.