The American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Education has selected the TLU ACS Student Chapter as a “Commendable" organization. Recognizing excellence in chemistry, the ACS honors and celebrates achievements in advancing the chemical enterprise and groups that are making a positive impact within their organizations, communities, and society.

These chapters serve as organizations for undergraduate students with an interest in the chemical sciences where members participate in a wide range of programs and activities that enhance their college experience while preparing them for successful careers.

For the 2018-2019 academic year, the ACS nearly 400 chapters with only 131 receiving a “Commendable” accolade, with emphasis on community outreach.

The TLU Chemistry Department’s annual spring CHAOS Night event appeals to scientists of all ages and has become a community favorite for families. Students and faculty lead hands-on, science experiments, as well as several fun “don’t try this at home” demonstrations. In addition to this event, the TLU Pi Rho Chemistry Club also participates in faculty-led summer research with the USDA, academic conferences, and NB Science Fest—an annual fall event that attracts thousands of visitors in New Braunfels, Texas hosted by the New Braunfels Science Education Foundation where Assistant Chemistry Professor Alison Bray is a co-founder.

While Pi Rho has always had a strong commitment to community outreach, Bray said students carefully researched the ACS guidelines to see how they could be more involved with their specific facets.

“One of the goals was to participate in ACS sponsored events such as their international webinar ‘parties’ where they learned about interesting specialty topics simultaneously with other clubs around the world,” Bray said. “This broadened their learning experience beyond the traditional classroom. They also paid close attention to past years reviews; learning to work with constructive criticism and to see where improvements could be made to the club. They implemented many of these suggestions and the group has grown stronger and larger. They once again look forward to sharing their science with the TLU campus and community at our upcoming CHAOS celebration, Metal Mania, on March 26, 2020.”

Vice President of Academic Affairs and former TLU Professor Annette Citzler said the department has long been a leader in student engagement.

“ACS Student Chapter is upholding the TLU tradition of excellence in their work with our faculty, not only in their research activities, but also in their pursuit of these opportunities for professional presentations at ACS chapter meetings, other chapter-sponsored events, and ACS conferences,” Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Annette Citzler said. “We are so proud of our students and faculty leaders for bringing this recognition to our program.”