Optima Chemical Honors Outstanding Chemistry Students
Optima Chemical and the American Chemical Society (ACS) recently recognized outstanding chemistry undergraduate students from 6 universities and colleges in our region. The awards luncheon was held at the Douglas Golf & Country Club on Saturday, April 27, 2019. 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.
Professor Linda Gosnell, Valdosta State University and Chairman of local ACS Chapter, presided over the meeting and presented the awards to each student. Professor Gosnell recognized students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of a career in science. She also thanked Optima Chemical and President, Mr. 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 our local schools, student awards, and staff volunteer work for numerous events.
“Optima is proud to partner with the ACS in recognizing and encouraging students considering a career in science” stated 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.”