2011 Assembly of Delegates:Nominees for President
2011 Sigma Xi Annual Meeting & International Research Conference
November 10-13, 2011 Raleigh Convention Center Raleigh, North Carolina
Thomas S. Acker, S. J. President Emeritus, Wheeling Jesuit University
Dr. Acker received his Doctorate Degree in Biology from Stanford University. He joined Sigma Xi as a student member at Stanford in 1959. While continuing research on reproduction in insects, he completed studies in theology and was ordained as a Jesuit Catholic Priest. He taught biology for two years at John Carroll University in Cleveland and seven years at the University of Detroit Mercy. In 1972, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to Nepal and worked to redo and implement a new biology curriculum for the entire country. Following Nepal, he was an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of San Francisco and then became Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Business at St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia. In 1982, he was elected as President of Wheeling Jesuit University and served there for eighteen years. He was then elected President Emeritus. He moved to southern West Virginia to work in economic development. Here he built and directed a new public college campus combining five public colleges, was able to obtain a health clinic in a struggling area of southern West Virginia, and secured over $45 million in grants that promoted southern West Virginia. During this period, he served as Dean at Future Generations Graduate School while they were obtaining their accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. In his eleven years in southern West Virginia, he was Chairman and CEO of the Higher Education Foundation and the CEO of Forward Southern West Virginia, Inc. In 2010, he was elected President of the Greenbrier Valley Chapter of Sigma Xi and headquartered it at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. With the cooperation of his colleagues, they increased the membership fourfold in one year.
Candidate's Statement - Thomas S. Acker
Interview with Thomas Acker: Colleagues: Human environments of need and struggle are my calling. My extensive background and documented success in managing growth and revitalization projects has qualified me to submit my strong commitment to similarly serve Sigma Xi. Sigma Xi, 125 years old this year, must recognize the continuously evolving atmosphere in which science and engineering research is supported and conducted and must refocus to remain viable and relevant and reach 150 years in 2036. Coordinated science and engineering are the stuff of Sigma Xi. Even as a person needs a skilled doctor in times of stress to synthesize the data from all the specialists and lead a course of treatment for the patient, so the community of scientists needs Sigma Xi as a protagonist for a robust and coordinated science and engineering approach to the world’s myriad technical needs. I know of no other similar scientific organization that fits this role so aptly. The Society’s members, so diverse in disciplines, gender, age, culture, career stage and accumulated knowledge, present a unique resource of understanding and influence. My background has prepared me to labor with the technical plutocracy that is Sigma Xi and to implement a continuing effort to refocus and evolve Sigma Xi in the shifting and challenging science environment. Allow me to illustrate my preparation with three examples. My appointment to Nepal as a Fulbright Professor led me into working with struggling groups. Upon arriving in Nepal, the Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (King Birendra) and the vice-chancellor asked me to recast the higher education biology curriculum for the country and convince the professors to adopt and embrace the improved program. This project required three creative and persuasive years and became the successful front runner for similar academic shifts in other disciplines in Nepal. Another new assignment beckoned when I was selected as president of Wheeling College. Most people assumed I was there to close the institution because the enrollment was plummeting, the buildings were decaying, there existed a deficit budget, and no endowment. I left after 18 progressive years with the highest enrollment in history and growing, seven new buildings erected and eight buildings rebuilt, positive budgets for 17 years, and an endowment of 18 million dollars. Now named Wheeling Jesuit University, we were the only higher education institution in West Virginia listed in the top category in any classification by U.S. News and World Report. Finally, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, encouraged me to relocate to southern West Virginia, one of the poorest financial and educational regions of our country. I became CEO of Forward Southern West Virginia and Chairman and CEO of The Higher Education Foundation. Here I built a new public higher education campus and beguiled four public college presidents to take up educational residence. The task reminded me of placing four jaguars into one cage and asking them to lick each other’s faces. It has worked, some scars notwithstanding, and a second major building program is beginning this fall. In addition we obtained 30 million dollars of grants for a health clinic in rural West Virginia and a transportation center in Beckley. I have learned to work proactively and productively with strong personalities. Many people abhor having to raise money. I embrace it. Over these years I have overseen successful capital campaigns and raised in these projects more than 250 million dollars. Leadership has its requirements. Presidents must ask donors, large and small, for funds. Large donors expect the “ask” from the president personally. I will do this persistently for Sigma Xi and approach major possible donors to improve the Society’s fiscal condition. Last year I was asked to take the presidency of the Greenbrier Valley Chapter of Sigma Xi. It had nine members and limited activity. In one year we have increased membership to 35, headquartered this widely dispersed Chapter at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, interlinked to the fishery and agricultural research communities, produced four issues of the participation inducing newsletter “Science Leader News”, and run four successful programs for Sigma XI members and the general public. My developed style of deep personal participation and active solicitation of willing co-workers has been successful in the chapter and all my previous management assignments. These leadership and management posts have prepared me for an imminent new assignment which is to help energize the faith and hope of the community in Youngstown, Ohio, a city still reeling from the loss of its steel industry. Where is proven leadership needed right now? Sigma Xi must clearly redefine and state its niche, address retention, grow in membership, and resolve its financial burden. These internal challenges are similar to those I have faced and overcome several times in other organizations. The key to success is to complete a few critical tasks well, not advance many issues half well. I would make every effort to work with current President Dr. Michael Crosby, President Elect Dr. Kelly Sullivan, and Executive Director Dr. Jerome Baker to craft a program that would consistently focus for three years on these essential features for vibrant growth. It is important for Sigma Xi to prosper. Together we can energize a key association in service to our member’s nations and to our planet through the coordinated communities of science and engineering. I am prepared to do my utmost as part of the leadership team of Sigma Xi. Thomas Kvale Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, and Physics Professor The University of Toledo Prof. Kvale is currently a Professor of Physics and serving as the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at The University of Toledo, where he has been on the faculty since 1986. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Radiation Oncology on the Health Science campus of The University of Toledo. Thomas Kvale has been active in Sigma Xi at the local levels since being elected into membership in 1980 at the University of Missouri-Rolla. His professional experience includes receiving a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College (1975), a M.S.-physics from University of Missouri-Rolla (1977), and a Ph.D.-physics also from the University of Missouri-Rolla (1984). He was a postdoctoral fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (1984-1986) and a NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellow at the NASA-George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (summer 1988). His research interests include experimental atomic physics, medical physics, and general undergraduate research. He has held grants from the U.S. Dept. of Energy, NSF, and the Ohio Board of Regents. Besides belonging to Sigma Xi, his other professional affiliations include the American Physical Society (APS) and its Divisions of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (DAMOP) and the Physics of Beams and Fields (DPBF); and the Ohio Region Section of APS; the Council on Undergraduate Research and its division of undergraduate research program directors (URPD); and SPS (Sigma Pi Sigma), The Physics Honor Society. Candidate's Statement - Thomas Kvale Interview with Thomas Kvale: Sigma Xi is one of the few premier, professional organizations to be both multi- and inter-disciplinary at the very heart of its existence. This is both a valuable asset and a challenge in today’s climate. The challenge as I see it, is that the younger researchers in academia and industry are becoming more focused in their areas of research at greater levels of understanding and encouraged to do so by their institutions’ reward structures. Sigma Xi’s Vision, Mission, and Culture statements however, direct the organization to be more “generalist”. In my opinion, this has contributed to decreased membership in Sigma Xi but for memberships in the focused professional organizations to be stable or even increase. As such, Sigma Xi should be promoted as “the” professional organization to foster the interactions between researchers in different fields and thus be true to its multi- and inter-disciplinary foundation and by doing so, to provide opportunities for breakthroughs in the disciplinary fields. As an example from my own field, synergetic interactions between atomic physicists with condensed matter physicists, biologists, and engineers are leading to better understanding of sub-nanotechnology and molecular interactions. Countless other examples exist and some now even form their own disciplines (e.g., bioengineering, biochemistry, renewable/sustainable energy, etc.) This is Sigma Xi’s strength, as has been recognized by many others for some time now. I was pleased that the characteristics of the biennial national meeting were recently changed from mainly a business meeting to more of a research meeting. This is a huge step in the right direction, in my opinion. In between the national meeting years, I would like to see regional research meetings be established. With these steps, I believe the local chapters would be revived and/or strengthened as Sigma Xi highlights its roots as first and foremost a research society. Sigma Xi’s utility and strength is in the local chapters. These chapters are valuable resources to foster young investigators in research and in the safe and ethical conduct of that research. They are also the places where countless, valuable interactions take place between researchers in different fields. The Grants-in-aid of Research program, the American Scientist, and other programs and/or awards are extremely valuable functions of the national Sigma Xi. Nature does not recognize the artificial national boundaries, so Sigma Xi needs to continue to foster the beginnings of its international connections and take its place as the world-renowned research society. I am honored to be placed in nomination and humbled by the monumental responsibilities the office holds. As I have done for over the past 30 years, I will continue to work and support Sigma Xi in whichever capacity I can. Sigma Xi Activities: Thomas Kvale has been a member of Sigma Xi since 1980. He has served mainly at the local levels, being president of the UT chapter of Sigma Xi in 1997 and its director of the Sigma Xi/Dion D. Raftopoulos Student Research Symposium for the years 2002-2004. He has served as the chapter representative to the national meetings in 1997 and 2009. Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski Director International Liaison Office, Switzerland Tecnologico de Monterrey Married, 4 children. BES in Civil Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University (1960); Master's (1962) and PhD (1967) in Solid and Fluid Mechanics from the University of Iowa. Worked for 15 years as a full time professor at the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, and won various excellence in teaching awards, co-authored a book on new educational methodologies and published 12 articles in journals. In 1979 he joined the Corporate R&D Center of Vitro, a large Mexican Multinational Glass company and in 1987 he became the Director of this center until, upon his recommendation, it was decentralized in 1991. He was later Director of Technology for one of Vitro's divisions (1991-1998), Senior Researcher of strategic projects for Vitro's Corporate Technology Unit (1998-2002) and Director of R&D for Vitro Europa (2002-2003), a new Research and Technology Development facility that Vitro established in Fribourg, Switzerland. He has written numerous specialized technical reports and holds 3 international patents on glass forming and melting processes. He retired from Vitro at end of 2003 and presently does consulting work on Technology Management as well as liaison work for Cemex, a large Mexican Multinational Cement company, for the development of research projects with European universities or centers of private and public research at Cemex's Global Research Center, located in Switzerland. He is also Director of the Swiss liaison office for the Vice President of International Affairs of the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey. Candidate's Statement - Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski Interview with Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski: We are presently living in a Global World where the dynamics of our common and professional lives are completely different from what they were a number of years ago. It is true that Sigma Xi has enjoyed a rich history of scientific leadership, but if it wants to continue doing so, Sigma Xi can’t remain static and indifferent; it must evolve to a new dynamic model that addresses the main issues that are relevant to its members in this day and age. Using time properly, taking advantage of technology, and engaging in value actions are some of the crucial issues for success that any member is presently facing in today’s professional environment. Thus, the no change option is in reality not an option, at least if we want to reverse the alarming decline in the membership that we have seen over the last decade. For example, two of the programs were we have had great success are the one that fosters the participation in science and engineering of high school students, and the one that fosters research among college students. Here we not only score the highest percentage of our new initiates on a yearly basis, but we also score the highest percentage in the drop-out of our members. In this regard, we need to handle a new perspective and to address the critical issues that this young generation faces by providing the value propositions that they require in this global competitive world. By the same token, Sigma Xi has not taken full advantage of its World membership to expand its horizons and grow internationally. This implies that it is not taking full advantage of what constitutes a Global Interdisciplinary Society and if elected, I would certainly work to change this situation and move the Society forward toward truly becoming “THE” Honor Society. In summary, I want to help Sigma Xi review and make the necessary changes required to thrive in fostering Companionship in Zealous Research within the present highly competitive worldwide environment. It is true that our members are extremely busy, have diverse interests, needs, and expectations and that there are significant generational differences among them. However, Sigma Xi can reinvent itself and develop a unique strategy in order to approach these challenges with a new and fresh perspective that will distinguish it from similar societies. I firmly believe that this will allow it to respond and deliver the proper present value and return on investment that each member makes in order to be a part of our Society. I want to work towards and see Sigma Xi as a truly reinvented, dynamic and growing worldwide organization that is excellently moving forward because: It offers a significant value proposition to its members It has a streamlined and professional leadership at the Board Level that does not in any way constitute a centralized power house. It has highly respected and actively engaged Chapters on a worldwide basis It makes use of its unique trait of the worldwide Interdisciplinary nature of its members and is internationally recognized as a Scientific Research organization that: Has an active advocacy policy on crucial world issues Has unique and highly regarded publications on Science and Scientific Research It is concentrating its efforts in a few highly significant and specialized programs for its members It has fully incorporated the use of Information and Communication Technology and backs, as well as accompanies the evolution of the value content required by its members. It handles Interdisciplinary and International Research Conferences of significance It recognized its worldwide diversity by fostering dynamic Regional Research Conferences that address the issues of each region In order to achieve these results, I also offer an approach to leadership that is dynamic in the sense that I want to meet and propose solutions to the changing needs that an association like Sigma Xi faces, especially as technology and global societal issues evolve and bring new challenges to the professional lives of our members. I have had ample experience in developing differentiating business strategies for innovation and development of technology at corporate research centers, as well as in their implementation. This has made me very much aware of the importance that the involvement of stakeholders has in the successful implementation of the designed strategies. Moving forward by active participation and engagement is my model, not ruling by decree. Networking also has a very important function in my concept of leadership and in this regard, searching for and contacting other key people for information, feedback or support, is key for moving important issues forward. Sigma Xi faces an Imperative for Change that is extremely urgent and I have mentioned a few of the issues that have to be addressed in order to make the Society Relevant to its members. I also strongly feel that my past experience and present position allows me to leverage the necessary resources to fulfill these objectives. Thus, if elected, I will strive to lead the Society meet this challenge by working with the Board, Executive Staff, and its members in order to place the building blocks that are necessary to consolidate and accomplish the required changes. Sigma Xi and Other Activities: PAST ACTIVITIES: Founder, Member, President, Secretary & Treasurer of the Tecnologico de Monterrey Chapter (1972-2002). Member of Southwest Regional Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). Director of Southwest Region (1988-2001). Member of National Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). PRESENT ACTIVITIES: Member of International Committee (2001-2007). Chair International Committee (2007 to present). Member of Committee on Awards (2006 to present). President of Swiss Chapter (2006 to present). Director of Canadian/International Constituency Group (2006 to present). Board Member (2006 to present). Member Executive Board (20010 to present) Back to top | Privacy Policy | Copyright ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
Colleagues: Human environments of need and struggle are my calling. My extensive background and documented success in managing growth and revitalization projects has qualified me to submit my strong commitment to similarly serve Sigma Xi. Sigma Xi, 125 years old this year, must recognize the continuously evolving atmosphere in which science and engineering research is supported and conducted and must refocus to remain viable and relevant and reach 150 years in 2036.
Coordinated science and engineering are the stuff of Sigma Xi. Even as a person needs a skilled doctor in times of stress to synthesize the data from all the specialists and lead a course of treatment for the patient, so the community of scientists needs Sigma Xi as a protagonist for a robust and coordinated science and engineering approach to the world’s myriad technical needs. I know of no other similar scientific organization that fits this role so aptly. The Society’s members, so diverse in disciplines, gender, age, culture, career stage and accumulated knowledge, present a unique resource of understanding and influence.
My background has prepared me to labor with the technical plutocracy that is Sigma Xi and to implement a continuing effort to refocus and evolve Sigma Xi in the shifting and challenging science environment. Allow me to illustrate my preparation with three examples.
My appointment to Nepal as a Fulbright Professor led me into working with struggling groups. Upon arriving in Nepal, the Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (King Birendra) and the vice-chancellor asked me to recast the higher education biology curriculum for the country and convince the professors to adopt and embrace the improved program. This project required three creative and persuasive years and became the successful front runner for similar academic shifts in other disciplines in Nepal.
Another new assignment beckoned when I was selected as president of Wheeling College. Most people assumed I was there to close the institution because the enrollment was plummeting, the buildings were decaying, there existed a deficit budget, and no endowment. I left after 18 progressive years with the highest enrollment in history and growing, seven new buildings erected and eight buildings rebuilt, positive budgets for 17 years, and an endowment of 18 million dollars. Now named Wheeling Jesuit University, we were the only higher education institution in West Virginia listed in the top category in any classification by U.S. News and World Report.
Finally, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, encouraged me to relocate to southern West Virginia, one of the poorest financial and educational regions of our country. I became CEO of Forward Southern West Virginia and Chairman and CEO of The Higher Education Foundation. Here I built a new public higher education campus and beguiled four public college presidents to take up educational residence. The task reminded me of placing four jaguars into one cage and asking them to lick each other’s faces. It has worked, some scars notwithstanding, and a second major building program is beginning this fall. In addition we obtained 30 million dollars of grants for a health clinic in rural West Virginia and a transportation center in Beckley. I have learned to work proactively and productively with strong personalities.
Many people abhor having to raise money. I embrace it. Over these years I have overseen successful capital campaigns and raised in these projects more than 250 million dollars. Leadership has its requirements. Presidents must ask donors, large and small, for funds. Large donors expect the “ask” from the president personally. I will do this persistently for Sigma Xi and approach major possible donors to improve the Society’s fiscal condition.
Last year I was asked to take the presidency of the Greenbrier Valley Chapter of Sigma Xi. It had nine members and limited activity. In one year we have increased membership to 35, headquartered this widely dispersed Chapter at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, interlinked to the fishery and agricultural research communities, produced four issues of the participation inducing newsletter “Science Leader News”, and run four successful programs for Sigma XI members and the general public.
My developed style of deep personal participation and active solicitation of willing co-workers has been successful in the chapter and all my previous management assignments. These leadership and management posts have prepared me for an imminent new assignment which is to help energize the faith and hope of the community in Youngstown, Ohio, a city still reeling from the loss of its steel industry.
Where is proven leadership needed right now? Sigma Xi must clearly redefine and state its niche, address retention, grow in membership, and resolve its financial burden. These internal challenges are similar to those I have faced and overcome several times in other organizations. The key to success is to complete a few critical tasks well, not advance many issues half well.
I would make every effort to work with current President Dr. Michael Crosby, President Elect Dr. Kelly Sullivan, and Executive Director Dr. Jerome Baker to craft a program that would consistently focus for three years on these essential features for vibrant growth. It is important for Sigma Xi to prosper. Together we can energize a key association in service to our member’s nations and to our planet through the coordinated communities of science and engineering. I am prepared to do my utmost as part of the leadership team of Sigma Xi.
Thomas Kvale
Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, and Physics Professor The University of Toledo
Prof. Kvale is currently a Professor of Physics and serving as the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at The University of Toledo, where he has been on the faculty since 1986. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Radiation Oncology on the Health Science campus of The University of Toledo. Thomas Kvale has been active in Sigma Xi at the local levels since being elected into membership in 1980 at the University of Missouri-Rolla. His professional experience includes receiving a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College (1975), a M.S.-physics from University of Missouri-Rolla (1977), and a Ph.D.-physics also from the University of Missouri-Rolla (1984). He was a postdoctoral fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (1984-1986) and a NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellow at the NASA-George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (summer 1988). His research interests include experimental atomic physics, medical physics, and general undergraduate research. He has held grants from the U.S. Dept. of Energy, NSF, and the Ohio Board of Regents. Besides belonging to Sigma Xi, his other professional affiliations include the American Physical Society (APS) and its Divisions of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (DAMOP) and the Physics of Beams and Fields (DPBF); and the Ohio Region Section of APS; the Council on Undergraduate Research and its division of undergraduate research program directors (URPD); and SPS (Sigma Pi Sigma), The Physics Honor Society.
Candidate's Statement - Thomas Kvale
Interview with Thomas Kvale: Sigma Xi is one of the few premier, professional organizations to be both multi- and inter-disciplinary at the very heart of its existence. This is both a valuable asset and a challenge in today’s climate. The challenge as I see it, is that the younger researchers in academia and industry are becoming more focused in their areas of research at greater levels of understanding and encouraged to do so by their institutions’ reward structures. Sigma Xi’s Vision, Mission, and Culture statements however, direct the organization to be more “generalist”. In my opinion, this has contributed to decreased membership in Sigma Xi but for memberships in the focused professional organizations to be stable or even increase. As such, Sigma Xi should be promoted as “the” professional organization to foster the interactions between researchers in different fields and thus be true to its multi- and inter-disciplinary foundation and by doing so, to provide opportunities for breakthroughs in the disciplinary fields. As an example from my own field, synergetic interactions between atomic physicists with condensed matter physicists, biologists, and engineers are leading to better understanding of sub-nanotechnology and molecular interactions. Countless other examples exist and some now even form their own disciplines (e.g., bioengineering, biochemistry, renewable/sustainable energy, etc.) This is Sigma Xi’s strength, as has been recognized by many others for some time now. I was pleased that the characteristics of the biennial national meeting were recently changed from mainly a business meeting to more of a research meeting. This is a huge step in the right direction, in my opinion. In between the national meeting years, I would like to see regional research meetings be established. With these steps, I believe the local chapters would be revived and/or strengthened as Sigma Xi highlights its roots as first and foremost a research society. Sigma Xi’s utility and strength is in the local chapters. These chapters are valuable resources to foster young investigators in research and in the safe and ethical conduct of that research. They are also the places where countless, valuable interactions take place between researchers in different fields. The Grants-in-aid of Research program, the American Scientist, and other programs and/or awards are extremely valuable functions of the national Sigma Xi. Nature does not recognize the artificial national boundaries, so Sigma Xi needs to continue to foster the beginnings of its international connections and take its place as the world-renowned research society. I am honored to be placed in nomination and humbled by the monumental responsibilities the office holds. As I have done for over the past 30 years, I will continue to work and support Sigma Xi in whichever capacity I can. Sigma Xi Activities: Thomas Kvale has been a member of Sigma Xi since 1980. He has served mainly at the local levels, being president of the UT chapter of Sigma Xi in 1997 and its director of the Sigma Xi/Dion D. Raftopoulos Student Research Symposium for the years 2002-2004. He has served as the chapter representative to the national meetings in 1997 and 2009. Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski Director International Liaison Office, Switzerland Tecnologico de Monterrey Married, 4 children. BES in Civil Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University (1960); Master's (1962) and PhD (1967) in Solid and Fluid Mechanics from the University of Iowa. Worked for 15 years as a full time professor at the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, and won various excellence in teaching awards, co-authored a book on new educational methodologies and published 12 articles in journals. In 1979 he joined the Corporate R&D Center of Vitro, a large Mexican Multinational Glass company and in 1987 he became the Director of this center until, upon his recommendation, it was decentralized in 1991. He was later Director of Technology for one of Vitro's divisions (1991-1998), Senior Researcher of strategic projects for Vitro's Corporate Technology Unit (1998-2002) and Director of R&D for Vitro Europa (2002-2003), a new Research and Technology Development facility that Vitro established in Fribourg, Switzerland. He has written numerous specialized technical reports and holds 3 international patents on glass forming and melting processes. He retired from Vitro at end of 2003 and presently does consulting work on Technology Management as well as liaison work for Cemex, a large Mexican Multinational Cement company, for the development of research projects with European universities or centers of private and public research at Cemex's Global Research Center, located in Switzerland. He is also Director of the Swiss liaison office for the Vice President of International Affairs of the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey. Candidate's Statement - Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski Interview with Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski: We are presently living in a Global World where the dynamics of our common and professional lives are completely different from what they were a number of years ago. It is true that Sigma Xi has enjoyed a rich history of scientific leadership, but if it wants to continue doing so, Sigma Xi can’t remain static and indifferent; it must evolve to a new dynamic model that addresses the main issues that are relevant to its members in this day and age. Using time properly, taking advantage of technology, and engaging in value actions are some of the crucial issues for success that any member is presently facing in today’s professional environment. Thus, the no change option is in reality not an option, at least if we want to reverse the alarming decline in the membership that we have seen over the last decade. For example, two of the programs were we have had great success are the one that fosters the participation in science and engineering of high school students, and the one that fosters research among college students. Here we not only score the highest percentage of our new initiates on a yearly basis, but we also score the highest percentage in the drop-out of our members. In this regard, we need to handle a new perspective and to address the critical issues that this young generation faces by providing the value propositions that they require in this global competitive world. By the same token, Sigma Xi has not taken full advantage of its World membership to expand its horizons and grow internationally. This implies that it is not taking full advantage of what constitutes a Global Interdisciplinary Society and if elected, I would certainly work to change this situation and move the Society forward toward truly becoming “THE” Honor Society. In summary, I want to help Sigma Xi review and make the necessary changes required to thrive in fostering Companionship in Zealous Research within the present highly competitive worldwide environment. It is true that our members are extremely busy, have diverse interests, needs, and expectations and that there are significant generational differences among them. However, Sigma Xi can reinvent itself and develop a unique strategy in order to approach these challenges with a new and fresh perspective that will distinguish it from similar societies. I firmly believe that this will allow it to respond and deliver the proper present value and return on investment that each member makes in order to be a part of our Society. I want to work towards and see Sigma Xi as a truly reinvented, dynamic and growing worldwide organization that is excellently moving forward because: It offers a significant value proposition to its members It has a streamlined and professional leadership at the Board Level that does not in any way constitute a centralized power house. It has highly respected and actively engaged Chapters on a worldwide basis It makes use of its unique trait of the worldwide Interdisciplinary nature of its members and is internationally recognized as a Scientific Research organization that: Has an active advocacy policy on crucial world issues Has unique and highly regarded publications on Science and Scientific Research It is concentrating its efforts in a few highly significant and specialized programs for its members It has fully incorporated the use of Information and Communication Technology and backs, as well as accompanies the evolution of the value content required by its members. It handles Interdisciplinary and International Research Conferences of significance It recognized its worldwide diversity by fostering dynamic Regional Research Conferences that address the issues of each region In order to achieve these results, I also offer an approach to leadership that is dynamic in the sense that I want to meet and propose solutions to the changing needs that an association like Sigma Xi faces, especially as technology and global societal issues evolve and bring new challenges to the professional lives of our members. I have had ample experience in developing differentiating business strategies for innovation and development of technology at corporate research centers, as well as in their implementation. This has made me very much aware of the importance that the involvement of stakeholders has in the successful implementation of the designed strategies. Moving forward by active participation and engagement is my model, not ruling by decree. Networking also has a very important function in my concept of leadership and in this regard, searching for and contacting other key people for information, feedback or support, is key for moving important issues forward. Sigma Xi faces an Imperative for Change that is extremely urgent and I have mentioned a few of the issues that have to be addressed in order to make the Society Relevant to its members. I also strongly feel that my past experience and present position allows me to leverage the necessary resources to fulfill these objectives. Thus, if elected, I will strive to lead the Society meet this challenge by working with the Board, Executive Staff, and its members in order to place the building blocks that are necessary to consolidate and accomplish the required changes. Sigma Xi and Other Activities: PAST ACTIVITIES: Founder, Member, President, Secretary & Treasurer of the Tecnologico de Monterrey Chapter (1972-2002). Member of Southwest Regional Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). Director of Southwest Region (1988-2001). Member of National Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). PRESENT ACTIVITIES: Member of International Committee (2001-2007). Chair International Committee (2007 to present). Member of Committee on Awards (2006 to present). President of Swiss Chapter (2006 to present). Director of Canadian/International Constituency Group (2006 to present). Board Member (2006 to present). Member Executive Board (20010 to present) Back to top | Privacy Policy | Copyright ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
Sigma Xi is one of the few premier, professional organizations to be both multi- and inter-disciplinary at the very heart of its existence. This is both a valuable asset and a challenge in today’s climate. The challenge as I see it, is that the younger researchers in academia and industry are becoming more focused in their areas of research at greater levels of understanding and encouraged to do so by their institutions’ reward structures. Sigma Xi’s Vision, Mission, and Culture statements however, direct the organization to be more “generalist”. In my opinion, this has contributed to decreased membership in Sigma Xi but for memberships in the focused professional organizations to be stable or even increase. As such, Sigma Xi should be promoted as “the” professional organization to foster the interactions between researchers in different fields and thus be true to its multi- and inter-disciplinary foundation and by doing so, to provide opportunities for breakthroughs in the disciplinary fields. As an example from my own field, synergetic interactions between atomic physicists with condensed matter physicists, biologists, and engineers are leading to better understanding of sub-nanotechnology and molecular interactions. Countless other examples exist and some now even form their own disciplines (e.g., bioengineering, biochemistry, renewable/sustainable energy, etc.) This is Sigma Xi’s strength, as has been recognized by many others for some time now. I was pleased that the characteristics of the biennial national meeting were recently changed from mainly a business meeting to more of a research meeting. This is a huge step in the right direction, in my opinion. In between the national meeting years, I would like to see regional research meetings be established. With these steps, I believe the local chapters would be revived and/or strengthened as Sigma Xi highlights its roots as first and foremost a research society. Sigma Xi’s utility and strength is in the local chapters. These chapters are valuable resources to foster young investigators in research and in the safe and ethical conduct of that research. They are also the places where countless, valuable interactions take place between researchers in different fields. The Grants-in-aid of Research program, the American Scientist, and other programs and/or awards are extremely valuable functions of the national Sigma Xi. Nature does not recognize the artificial national boundaries, so Sigma Xi needs to continue to foster the beginnings of its international connections and take its place as the world-renowned research society.
I am honored to be placed in nomination and humbled by the monumental responsibilities the office holds. As I have done for over the past 30 years, I will continue to work and support Sigma Xi in whichever capacity I can.
Sigma Xi Activities:
Thomas Kvale has been a member of Sigma Xi since 1980. He has served mainly at the local levels, being president of the UT chapter of Sigma Xi in 1997 and its director of the Sigma Xi/Dion D. Raftopoulos Student Research Symposium for the years 2002-2004. He has served as the chapter representative to the national meetings in 1997 and 2009.
Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski Director International Liaison Office, Switzerland Tecnologico de Monterrey
Married, 4 children. BES in Civil Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University (1960); Master's (1962) and PhD (1967) in Solid and Fluid Mechanics from the University of Iowa. Worked for 15 years as a full time professor at the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, and won various excellence in teaching awards, co-authored a book on new educational methodologies and published 12 articles in journals. In 1979 he joined the Corporate R&D Center of Vitro, a large Mexican Multinational Glass company and in 1987 he became the Director of this center until, upon his recommendation, it was decentralized in 1991. He was later Director of Technology for one of Vitro's divisions (1991-1998), Senior Researcher of strategic projects for Vitro's Corporate Technology Unit (1998-2002) and Director of R&D for Vitro Europa (2002-2003), a new Research and Technology Development facility that Vitro established in Fribourg, Switzerland. He has written numerous specialized technical reports and holds 3 international patents on glass forming and melting processes. He retired from Vitro at end of 2003 and presently does consulting work on Technology Management as well as liaison work for Cemex, a large Mexican Multinational Cement company, for the development of research projects with European universities or centers of private and public research at Cemex's Global Research Center, located in Switzerland. He is also Director of the Swiss liaison office for the Vice President of International Affairs of the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Candidate's Statement - Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski
Interview with Antonio Pita-Szczesniewski: We are presently living in a Global World where the dynamics of our common and professional lives are completely different from what they were a number of years ago. It is true that Sigma Xi has enjoyed a rich history of scientific leadership, but if it wants to continue doing so, Sigma Xi can’t remain static and indifferent; it must evolve to a new dynamic model that addresses the main issues that are relevant to its members in this day and age. Using time properly, taking advantage of technology, and engaging in value actions are some of the crucial issues for success that any member is presently facing in today’s professional environment. Thus, the no change option is in reality not an option, at least if we want to reverse the alarming decline in the membership that we have seen over the last decade. For example, two of the programs were we have had great success are the one that fosters the participation in science and engineering of high school students, and the one that fosters research among college students. Here we not only score the highest percentage of our new initiates on a yearly basis, but we also score the highest percentage in the drop-out of our members. In this regard, we need to handle a new perspective and to address the critical issues that this young generation faces by providing the value propositions that they require in this global competitive world. By the same token, Sigma Xi has not taken full advantage of its World membership to expand its horizons and grow internationally. This implies that it is not taking full advantage of what constitutes a Global Interdisciplinary Society and if elected, I would certainly work to change this situation and move the Society forward toward truly becoming “THE” Honor Society. In summary, I want to help Sigma Xi review and make the necessary changes required to thrive in fostering Companionship in Zealous Research within the present highly competitive worldwide environment. It is true that our members are extremely busy, have diverse interests, needs, and expectations and that there are significant generational differences among them. However, Sigma Xi can reinvent itself and develop a unique strategy in order to approach these challenges with a new and fresh perspective that will distinguish it from similar societies. I firmly believe that this will allow it to respond and deliver the proper present value and return on investment that each member makes in order to be a part of our Society. I want to work towards and see Sigma Xi as a truly reinvented, dynamic and growing worldwide organization that is excellently moving forward because: It offers a significant value proposition to its members It has a streamlined and professional leadership at the Board Level that does not in any way constitute a centralized power house. It has highly respected and actively engaged Chapters on a worldwide basis It makes use of its unique trait of the worldwide Interdisciplinary nature of its members and is internationally recognized as a Scientific Research organization that: Has an active advocacy policy on crucial world issues Has unique and highly regarded publications on Science and Scientific Research It is concentrating its efforts in a few highly significant and specialized programs for its members It has fully incorporated the use of Information and Communication Technology and backs, as well as accompanies the evolution of the value content required by its members. It handles Interdisciplinary and International Research Conferences of significance It recognized its worldwide diversity by fostering dynamic Regional Research Conferences that address the issues of each region In order to achieve these results, I also offer an approach to leadership that is dynamic in the sense that I want to meet and propose solutions to the changing needs that an association like Sigma Xi faces, especially as technology and global societal issues evolve and bring new challenges to the professional lives of our members. I have had ample experience in developing differentiating business strategies for innovation and development of technology at corporate research centers, as well as in their implementation. This has made me very much aware of the importance that the involvement of stakeholders has in the successful implementation of the designed strategies. Moving forward by active participation and engagement is my model, not ruling by decree. Networking also has a very important function in my concept of leadership and in this regard, searching for and contacting other key people for information, feedback or support, is key for moving important issues forward. Sigma Xi faces an Imperative for Change that is extremely urgent and I have mentioned a few of the issues that have to be addressed in order to make the Society Relevant to its members. I also strongly feel that my past experience and present position allows me to leverage the necessary resources to fulfill these objectives. Thus, if elected, I will strive to lead the Society meet this challenge by working with the Board, Executive Staff, and its members in order to place the building blocks that are necessary to consolidate and accomplish the required changes. Sigma Xi and Other Activities: PAST ACTIVITIES: Founder, Member, President, Secretary & Treasurer of the Tecnologico de Monterrey Chapter (1972-2002). Member of Southwest Regional Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). Director of Southwest Region (1988-2001). Member of National Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). PRESENT ACTIVITIES: Member of International Committee (2001-2007). Chair International Committee (2007 to present). Member of Committee on Awards (2006 to present). President of Swiss Chapter (2006 to present). Director of Canadian/International Constituency Group (2006 to present). Board Member (2006 to present). Member Executive Board (20010 to present) Back to top | Privacy Policy | Copyright ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
We are presently living in a Global World where the dynamics of our common and professional lives are completely different from what they were a number of years ago. It is true that Sigma Xi has enjoyed a rich history of scientific leadership, but if it wants to continue doing so, Sigma Xi can’t remain static and indifferent; it must evolve to a new dynamic model that addresses the main issues that are relevant to its members in this day and age. Using time properly, taking advantage of technology, and engaging in value actions are some of the crucial issues for success that any member is presently facing in today’s professional environment. Thus, the no change option is in reality not an option, at least if we want to reverse the alarming decline in the membership that we have seen over the last decade.
For example, two of the programs were we have had great success are the one that fosters the participation in science and engineering of high school students, and the one that fosters research among college students. Here we not only score the highest percentage of our new initiates on a yearly basis, but we also score the highest percentage in the drop-out of our members. In this regard, we need to handle a new perspective and to address the critical issues that this young generation faces by providing the value propositions that they require in this global competitive world.
By the same token, Sigma Xi has not taken full advantage of its World membership to expand its horizons and grow internationally. This implies that it is not taking full advantage of what constitutes a Global Interdisciplinary Society and if elected, I would certainly work to change this situation and move the Society forward toward truly becoming “THE” Honor Society.
In summary, I want to help Sigma Xi review and make the necessary changes required to thrive in fostering Companionship in Zealous Research within the present highly competitive worldwide environment. It is true that our members are extremely busy, have diverse interests, needs, and expectations and that there are significant generational differences among them. However, Sigma Xi can reinvent itself and develop a unique strategy in order to approach these challenges with a new and fresh perspective that will distinguish it from similar societies. I firmly believe that this will allow it to respond and deliver the proper present value and return on investment that each member makes in order to be a part of our Society.
I want to work towards and see Sigma Xi as a truly reinvented, dynamic and growing worldwide organization that is excellently moving forward because:
In order to achieve these results, I also offer an approach to leadership that is dynamic in the sense that I want to meet and propose solutions to the changing needs that an association like Sigma Xi faces, especially as technology and global societal issues evolve and bring new challenges to the professional lives of our members. I have had ample experience in developing differentiating business strategies for innovation and development of technology at corporate research centers, as well as in their implementation. This has made me very much aware of the importance that the involvement of stakeholders has in the successful implementation of the designed strategies. Moving forward by active participation and engagement is my model, not ruling by decree. Networking also has a very important function in my concept of leadership and in this regard, searching for and contacting other key people for information, feedback or support, is key for moving important issues forward.
Sigma Xi faces an Imperative for Change that is extremely urgent and I have mentioned a few of the issues that have to be addressed in order to make the Society Relevant to its members. I also strongly feel that my past experience and present position allows me to leverage the necessary resources to fulfill these objectives. Thus, if elected, I will strive to lead the Society meet this challenge by working with the Board, Executive Staff, and its members in order to place the building blocks that are necessary to consolidate and accomplish the required changes.
Sigma Xi and Other Activities: PAST ACTIVITIES: Founder, Member, President, Secretary & Treasurer of the Tecnologico de Monterrey Chapter (1972-2002). Member of Southwest Regional Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). Director of Southwest Region (1988-2001). Member of National Committee on Nominations (2001-2003). PRESENT ACTIVITIES: Member of International Committee (2001-2007). Chair International Committee (2007 to present). Member of Committee on Awards (2006 to present). President of Swiss Chapter (2006 to present). Director of Canadian/International Constituency Group (2006 to present). Board Member (2006 to present). Member Executive Board (20010 to present)
Back to top | Privacy Policy | Copyright ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
Sites of Interest Duxbury Ventures Website Investments Social Justice Research Domain Values ABC Fundraising München Fair Hotels Promotional Gifts Business Cards Cheap Car Hire Buy Gold at Regal Assets. ATT Uverse
Thomas S. Acker, S. J.