The past, present and future of the ACS Rubber Division shared the stage equally during the ACS Rubber Division's Business and Awards Meeting.
While Rubber Division Chairman Leonard Thomas, an industry consultant, presented awards to several, industry-experienced members and Secretary Terry DeLapa of Alpha Technologies U.S. L.P. updated the group on the current status of the organization, the next generation of scientists, engineers and industry experts also were recognized.
The event was held Oct. 10, the final day of the four-day, International Elastomer Conference. It marked the first time the meeting was held on the main expo floor of Cleveland's I-X Center, instead of at a basement meeting room.
"We're happy to see the turnout," said DeLapa, who in 2014 will become the first woman to be chair-elect. "This is what we were wanting. We want our members to know what we do, not behind closed doors."
Nearby University of Akron was honored during the event for establishing its inaugural student chapter with the Rubber Division through the College of Engineering. Akron joins Ferris State University and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell as student chapters.
Meanwhile, two undergraduate students received scholarships worth $5,000 from the division: Keith Edmunds from the University of Akron, and Cody Haines at Ferris State University.
James Connors of Great Lakes Rubber Co. also was awarded a scholarship worth $1,250 as the Rubber Technology Training Award winner.
Other students recognized for their work were Sangita Singh for Best Paper, Graduate; Joseph Scavuzzo for Best Poster, Graduate; and Gabriel Gonzales for Best Poster, Undergrad. They received $1,500 apiece.
"These people are the future of our organization," Thomas said. "We have to give them our support so that one day, they are up here, running the division."
