Last year was an exceptional one for chemistry and an exciting time to be part of the ACS St. Louis Section. Our board of directors worked hard to revitalize the section post-Covid and to bring back the activities our members value and enjoy.
Several key annual events that returned to our calendar in 2023 and 2024 continued, including multiple awards ceremonies, section wide gatherings, public outreach efforts, and support for scouting. This year, we focused on engaging new members, strengthening networking opportunities, reigniting discussion groups, and partnering with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri to complement our long-standing relationship with Scouts of America. We also celebrated National Chemistry Week for the first time since Covid and resumed in person meetings.
Below is a list of the events our section hosted and supported—accomplishments of which we are truly proud.
- High School Chemistry Olympiad (sponsored by STLACS and University of Missouri St. Louis)
- Brownie Home Scientist Event with Badge (sponsored by STLACS, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, and University ofMissouri St. Louis)
- Awards Night – Celebrating winners of our Chemical Technology Award, High School Teacher of the Year Award, High School Chemistry Olympiad, and the Outstanding College Junior Award (one from each area college).
- Recognition Night – Celebrating local 50, 60, and 70 year ACS members
- Summer Picnic (all member STL ACS event)
- The Mid-West Award (presented at the Mid-West Regional Meeting at University of Missouri Columbia, symposium and dinner)
- Sci – Mix (all member event, sponsored by Bayer and STLACS)
- National Chemistry Week Poetry Contest
- Scouting Merit Badge (sponsored by Jost Chemical, STLACS, and Scouting America)
- Mid-West Mass Spec Discussion Group Reinitiated, Michael Gross honored
- The St. Louis Award (all member event, symposium and dinner)
- The Continuity Dinner (all member event and STLACS board meeting)
- In person STL ACS Board Meetings hosted at Washington University in St. Louis
Events were well organized, well attended, and manageable.
Ongoing challenges for the section include diversifying participation and increasing the value we provide to members. Although the percentage of active members remains in the teens, this represents an improvement over years past.
Our Sci Mix event, introduced in 2025, directly addressed this challenge. It was cost effective and attracted a number of members not actively engaged in prior years. This multi-generational gathering successfully brought together students, academics, industry professionals, and retirees.
We also saw new faces at the annual picnic. One recently registered member attended specifically to network after relocating to the area. He connected with several members and learned about another local event where he ultimately secured employment—an exciting win for him and his family.
A remaining challenge that we have not yet solved exists for those carrying board positions. Many have more than one role and in addition take on the planning of events. Strategically broadening the pool of volunteers and eventually leadership roles is critical for ongoing success of the section. I have incredible faith in the incoming leadership team that they will be able to address this need and successfully grow the section.
As we look ahead to 2026, I am filled with optimism for our ACS section. Dr. Eden Tesfu is an exceptional leader whose vision and dedication will help fill key open roles and ensure long‑term sustainability. Dr. Jeremia Ory, who will follow her in the chair succession, brings remarkable strengths in organization and time management. With both of them serving on our steering committee and in leadership, our section is well positioned for continued momentum. The future is bright, and the St. Louis Section will only continue to strengthen and grow.
Kindest regards,
Elizabeth Bergman
Former ACS Chair, 2025