The Elon Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (the chemistry club) was awarded the title of “Commendable” by the national ACS office. To receive such an award, a club must maintain activity throughout the year and demonstrate endeavors in several areas, including service, interaction with the local professional ACS section, and meetings (local, regional and national). The Elon club has been active for several years in an outreach project that focuses on at-risk kids in the HEART program at Andrews Elementary School. The club members help 4th and 5th grade students conceptualize, prepare and carry out science fair projects. Several times over the last few years, youngsters assisted by Elon students have succeeded in making presentations at the county level, and even beyond. Also last year, the Elon group conducted a Toy Drive for Hurricane Katrina victims and conducted demonstrations at the Burlington Square Mall as a part of National Chemistry Week.
This year’s president, chemistry major Kyle Lunsford, is carrying on the tradition of activity within the club. The group is advised by chemistry department faculty Paul Weller and Karl Sienerth.