SOCMA: Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 23, 2013

Optima Chemical and the American Chemical Society (ACS) recently recognized outstanding chemistry undergraduate students from nine universities and colleges in our region. The awards luncheon was held at the Douglas Golf & Country Club. Student award winners, accompanied by parents and nominating professors, were in attendance with several representatives from Optima. The purpose of the award is to recognize and encourage outstanding students in their pursuit of careers in chemistry, engineering and related sciences. ACS is the world’s largest scientific association, with a membership of more than 160,000 chemists, chemical engineers and others in related professions. The ACS mission is to encourage the advancement of the chemical enterprise and its practitioners through information dissemination, education programs, and public services. This award serves as a tool to encourage future scientists.

The award winners this year are: Stephan D. Moore - Georgia Southwestern University, Juan Otano - Albany State University, Andres Felipe Chaparro Sosa - Andrew College, Aaron Calvin - Valdosta State University, Caleb Studstill - Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, Rebaca V. Carter - South Georgia State College and Michelle Truong - Darton College.

Dr. Tolulope O. Salami, professor of chemistry at Valdosta State University and chairman of the local ACS section presided over the meeting and presented the awards to each student. Dr. Salami recognized students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of a career in science. He also thanked Optima Chemical and President Gene Williams, for their active support of the ACS section over many years. Optima has supported the ACS mission by providing funding and organization for National Chemistry Week activities conducted in local schools, student awards and staff volunteer work for numerous events. Optima Chemical was also awarded the “Outstanding Service Award to the ACS Southwest Georgia Section” last year by ACS National President Nancy Jackson at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the local ACS section.

“Optima is proud to partner with the ACS in recognizing and encouraging students considering a career in science” said Optima President Gene Williams. “We face daunting challenges in so many areas now and in the future, including feeding an increasing global population, medicines to cure diseases, increasing demands for energy, and being good stewards of our environment. Advances in science and technology will be an important tool in helping to solve these and many other issues. These young students will play a major role in shaping our future, and we’re proud to support them.”