Summing up Awards Night 2014

Webmaster’s apologies: this is another post exhumed from the cracks, drafted many months ago and never published.

Pegah Jalili and Brian Gau — Chair-elect Pegah Jalili introduces guest speaker and Sigma colleague Brian Gau.

Awards Night was held on Tuesday, April 15, at Maggiano’s Little Italy. Following a delicious dinner, St Louis Section Chair Dr Jim O’Brien (UM-St Louis) spent a few minutes describing the various section activities including awards given and received by the Section. Dr Brian Gau, Sr Research Chemist at Sigma, gave an upbeat synopsis of his career path—including references to Luke Skywalker—and congratulated the students on their success, quoting from Chris Hardwick: “Nerds make the shiny things….”

Brian Gau, speaking on his career trajectory

Each award category has its own post, so rather than repeat all that here, try following the links provided for the awards you’re interested in.

The winners of the high school chemistry contest were announced by Dr Myron Reese of McKendree College.
The Outstanding College Junior Awards were announced by Dr Mike Hauser of SLCC–Meramec.
Ms Bojana Opacic received the Chemical Science and Technology Award, presented by Adrienne Mazdra of SLCC–Florissant Valley.
Ms Donna Malkmus, chemistry teacher in the Francis Howell School District, was recognized as the High School Chemistry Teacher-of-the-Year, presented by Ms Sandi Mueller of John Burroughs School.

Awards Night crowd — Expansive and enthusiastic crowd enjoyed dinner and program

In addition to the select photos you see here, our unofficial but highly skilled photojournalist Vic Lewchenko has made his photostream available for viewing.