BZS’s 3-minute Speech to the ACS Council
8:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010

 

Good Morning.

Today, I am privileged to stand before you for the second time – ready, willing, and able to accept the challenges and responsibilities of the presidency of the American Chemical Society. ACS and its members can make major contributions to improve the quality of life in America and to advance the human condition everywhere around the globe.

Chemistry is the key to eradicating disease and reducing poverty. Our research and our technology can provide clean water and nutritious food, meet energy demands and reduce pollution, and help lead the way to sustainable development everywhere. And, just as important, chemists can help society develop the will to improve the quality of life on the planet. We, ACS, can do all that! We, ACS must do all that!

ACS is a membership organization. ACS must continue to nurture all its members here and around the world. I want members to benefit and to flourish – scientifically, economically, and professionally. When our members face professional challenges—especially unemployment—we have a responsibility to help. ACS must continue to work for the betterment of the total chemistry enterprise – academic, industrial and governmental.

You, the councilors, are the heart of a great organization. ACS relies on your judgment to define and address the issues facing our enterprise. Among your duties is guiding the selection of the president. The ACS president is the most visible advocate for the chemical sciences everywhere. I want to devote my presidency to showcasing chemistry at its best in addressing significant human and societal issues. I have the experience of thinking about and acting on these important aspects of chemistry.

During my six years as assistant director at the National Science Foundation, our record was second to none in advocating new program opportunities for research and education and in securing the necessary funds from the White House and from Congress. My presidency will also foster creativity and emphasize sustainability, collaboration, communication – and education. And you know that to me education is not an afterthought. My work in communicating the values of science and technology is recognized as being highly effective.

As president, I will listen to you and I will address your concerns about governance issues, professional matters, and the well-being of ACS. I know ACS – and ACS knows me. I have served ACS in numerous capacities for over 40 years. I have given over 1300 public presentations in every ACS district and around the world. My record and professional dedication to ACS, to science, and to education have prepared me well to assume the presidency of our Society.

As councilors, you are entrusted with an awesome responsibility. I trust that you will act wisely. I promise and I pledge that I will fully support the next president-elect, but it’ll be a lot easier if that person is me.

Thank you.