LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -
The American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter at Lock Haven University has been selected to receive Honorable Mention Award for its activities conducted during the 2009-2010 academic year. Notification of this honor came in a letter from the ACS to Dr. Jacqueline Whitling, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry,

For the 2009-2010 academic year, over 360 reports were submitted and The Society Committee on Education presented 36 outstanding, 68 commendable, and 113 honorable mention awards. Lists of award winning chapters will be published in Chemical & Engineering News and in inchemistry, the student member magazine. The award winning chapters will also be honored at the 241st ACS National Meeting in Anaheim, California on Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Dr. Jacqueline Whitling, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry, stated, “The LHU Department of Chemistry is very proud of our students in Chemistry Club. They have a long history of winning awards from the American Chemical Society. The students in the club work extremely hard to promote science across campus and within the community.”

The club’s outreach activities include the Halloween Science Demo Show and Chem Camp. However, community outreach is just one component that the ACS evaluates in reviewing student chapters.

Dr. Kevin Range, assistant professor of chemistry and faculty adviser of the chapter, was cited by the ACS as deserving special commendation. In the award letter, ACS President Joseph Francisco wrote, “Few faculty members are willing to make the great commitment of time and energy that a successful chapter requires. Professor Range’s efforts certainly represent the best in undergraduate science education and mentoring around the country.” The letter continued, “We extend our warmest congratulations to the students and Professor Range for setting such a fine example for other chapters and being exemplary chemistry ambassadors!”