November 18, 2020 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven University's student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is one of only two institutions in Mississippi to earn the highest honor for the 2020 Student Chapter Awards. In conjunction with this year's honor, ACS also presented Belhaven the Mississippi Local Section ACS Student Chapter of the Year Award.
Belhaven was one of only 72 universities nationwide to win the designation of “Outstanding” among the over 600 student chapters. The University shares the accolade with other prestigious colleges and universities from around the world that include Qatar University, Wheaton College, and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Brandon Magers, professor of chemistry and faculty advisor of Belhaven's ACS student chapter, said, “I am very proud of their work. This award is confirmation to our students that the hard work they put into the club is recognized nationally.Especially when considered it is judged against other universities with more students.”
Awards are classified as outstanding, commendable, and honorable mention. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the Society Committee on Education (SOCED) awarded 72 chapters outstanding, 99 chapters commendable, and 120 chapters honorable mention.
SOCED selects ACS student chapters to receive special recognition on the basis of their programs and activities. Belhaven's student chapter had a busy year, full of events that promoted areas of service, professional and chapter development, and green chemistry. From community events such as the Fall ACS Picnic and 2019 Science Fest to professional development trips to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the chemistry club is providing innovative ways of learning.
Magers added, “Discipline-focused student clubs are a vital part of the growth of any department. From touring ERDC, hosting a seminar on applying to medical school, to hosting a research seminar, the officers are providing STEM majors with information that will guide them into their future careers.”