Minutes for the 2002 Sigma Xi Annual Meeting
November 13-17, 2002
Moody Gardens Hotel
Galveston, Texas

One Hundred Third Annual Meeting

The 103rd Annual Meeting of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society took place at the Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston, Texas from Thursday, 14 November, to Sunday, 17 November 2002. The Assembly of Delegates was convened on 15, 16, and 17 November with Sigma Xi's President, Dr. W. Franklin Gilmore, in the Chair. The Proceedings of the Assembly are annexed to this report. Delegates also participated in the six Regional Assemblies of Delegates, each of which was also convened on 15, 16, and 17 November. During the 103rd Annual Meeting, delegates also participated in the fourth meetings of the Society's new Constituency Groups, five of which were convened on 15, 16 and 17 November. During the Annual Meeting, the following meetings also were held:

November 13	Board of Directors - Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
November 13	Board of Directors - Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Incorporated
November 13	Executive Committee
November 13	Committee on Diversity
November 14	Committee on Awards
November 14 & 17	Committee on Regions
November 16	Sigma Xi Fund of Canada

On Thursday and Friday, 14 and 15 November, Sigma Xi sponsored a forum, Changing the Face of Science and Engineering, which was funded by Sigma Xi, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Contributing organizations to the forum included the Association for Women in Science (AWIS), Building Engineering & Science Talent (BEST), Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), International Women in Science and Engineering (IWISE), National Academy of Engineering (NAE), Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL), Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER), Shodor Education Foundation, Inc., Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities at the University of Michigan (UROP). Through plenary and concurrent sessions, the forum, coupled with related activities and publications, focused on the critical issues surrounding human resource inputs to the scientific enterprise, particularly the need for an inclusive science and technology workforce.

Throughout the forum, the Agricultural Research Service (USDA), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, MIT Press, and the Just Garcia Hill Science Web Site had exhibits on display for participants, students, and delegates. In addition, contributed poster presentations were displayed throughout Thursday and until Friday noon of the forum that allowed participants the opportunity to interact with the poster presenters throughout the forum.

Also, as a supplement to the 2002 Forum, Sigma Xi provided a list of resources on science and engineering workforce issues that was assembled from a variety of sources, including government, academic, professional associations and private non-profit resources. Sigma Xi will post this list on the Society's Web site (www.sigmaxi.org) and will endeavor to keep it updated and current.

The 2002 forum opened on Thursday morning, 14 November, with welcome and opening remarks by Patrick Sculley, Executive Director of Sigma Xi; W. Franklin Gilmore, President of Sigma Xi; John Alderete, a member of Sigma Xi's Committee on Diversity; and Willie Pearson Jr., Forum Chair. Following these remarks, three plenary sessions were held throughout Thursday morning. The Forum's first plenary session, "Health of the Research Enterprise," took place immediately after the opening session with Neal Lane of Rice University as the moderator. In this first session, brief addresses were given by Rita Colwell, Director of the National Science Foundation; Eamon Kelly of the National Science Board; and Kenneth Olden, Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The session was followed by a panel discussion involving the three speakers and moderated by Dr. Lane.

Following a break where participants could review the contributed presentations, exhibits, and resources, the second plenary session, "Issues in the Science and Engineering Workforce," was held with Enriqueta Bond of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the NAS Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy, as moderator. Speakers in the second plenary session included Richard Freeman of the National Bureau of Economic Research and Harvard University, Charlotte Kuh of the National Research Council, and J. Scott Long of Indiana University.

Daniel Wubah of James Madison University moderated the third plenary session of Thursday morning, "Science, Engineering and Technology Across Borders." This session included lectures by John Afele of the International Program for Africa, Sylvester J. Gates, Jr. of the University of Maryland, Alejandro Pisanty of the Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City, Paula Stephan of Georgia State University, and Dorothy Shore Zinberg of Harvard University.

Thursday afternoon of the forum opened with 5 concurrent sessions that provided the opportunity for small group discussions: "The Science-Trained Professional: A New Breed for the New Century," "The Role of Professional Societies in Promoting Diversity," "AWIS Academic Project: A Web-based Tool Kit to Address Academic Climate," and "The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at the University of Michigan."

Following the first set of concurrent sessions, Jon Franklin of the University of Maryland presented a plenary lecture on "Science and the American Culture in the 21st Century." Mr. Franklin's lecture was followed by three additional concurrent sessions: "Diversity in Engineering: Industry's View," "The Role of Undergraduate Research in Attracting and Maintaining Women and Minorities in STEM Fields," and "Survey Data on Women and Minority Faculty in Science and Engineering." The first day of the forum concluded with a reception hosted by the University of Texas Medical Branch Chapter of Sigma Xi and by the office of the University of Texas Medical Branch Vice President for Research.

The second day of the forum opened with a plenary session, "Who Will Do Science and Engineering," that was moderated by Willie Pearson, Jr. of the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Forum Chair. Speakers in this plenary session included Enriqueta Bond, Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the NAS Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy; Shirley McBay, Quality Education for Minorities; Marie Reyes, University of Arizona; and Eli Fromm of Drexel University. Four concurrent sessions then followed on "Globalizing Research Experiences for Science Students," "International Women Scientists' Contributions to Science, Education, and Development," "Attracting Non-Traditional Science Students Through Computational Techniques," and "Steps to Build an Institutional Culture, Both Formal and Informal, Supportive of Women and Science."

The Friday morning program of the forum concluded with a plenary session, "Creating Environments for Change," moderated by John Yochelson of Building Engineering and Science Talent (BEST). Speakers in this session included Cathleen Barton of Intel Corporation, Chuck Powell the Texas State Director of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and Richard Tapia of Rice University.

The 2002 forum concluded with the presentation of the 2002 John P. McGovern Science and Society Medal to Mario Molina, Nobel Laureate and MIT Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Molina then presented the 2002 John P. McGovern Science and Society Lecture "The Impact of Human Activities on Atmospheric Ozone."

As a follow-up to the 2002 forum, Sigma Xi is exploring the feasibility of working with a commercial publisher to publish a companion book to the forum that would include presentation of many of the 2002 forum presenters. Willie Pearson, Jr., Chair of the 2002 forum, and Michael Teitelbaum of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have agreed to co-edit the book. If negotiations for this publication can be completed successfully, Sigma Xi members will be advised of its publication via a variety of mechanisms, including notices on the Society's Web site (www.sigmaxi.org).

On Friday evening, 15 November, the annual banquet was held during which Dr. Benoit Mandelbrot, Sterling Professor of Mathematical Sciences at Yale University, received the 2002 William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement and delivered the Procter Prize Address, "Fractals." Prior to the presentation of the Proctor Prize, Henry Kaufman, Director of Engineering for Nearlife, Inc., received a $5,000 grant-in-aid of research from the Procter Prize Fund as the young scientist designated for this award by Dr. Mandelbrot. Also during the banquet, Mr. Richard Harris, Science Correspondent for National Public Radio, was initiated as the 29th Honorary Member of Sigma Xi.

On Saturday morning, Dr. Paschalis Alexandridis, Associate Professor at the University of Buffalo - SUNY, received the 2002 Young Investigator Award in the area of the physical sciences and engineering. After receiving the award, Dr. Alexandridis presented the Young Investigator Award Lecture, "Nanoscale Organization via Self-Assembly and Directed Assembly."

Two workshop sessions were held for delegates on Saturday on issues involving the Society or topics involving science and society. The topics for the first set of workshops on Saturday morning were "Chapters 101: Chapter Management," "Chapter Revitalization," "Science and the News Media," "Chapter Diversity Programs," and "Chapter Opportunity: Workshops on Visualization." The second set of workshops on Saturday afternoon included "Chapters 102: Programs," "Sigma Xi Packard Initiative: Where Do We Go From Here?" "Expanding Your Membership Base and Nurturing Chapter Leadership," "Communicating Science: Telling the Research Story in Pictures," and "New Features on the Sigma Xi Web Site: Design a Chapter Web Site." In addition, an orientation session for new delegates was held on Friday afternoon immediately prior to the start of the Annual Meeting.

Throughout Saturday Sigma Xi's 2002 Student Research Conference was held with sponsorship by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Participating in the conference was a total of 369 students, parents, members and exhibitors that included 185 collegiate and high school presenters from 64 colleges and universities and 27 high schools. A total of 26 states were represented at the 2002 conference. A panel of local scientists judged the poster presentations and during the reception on Saturday evening 14 posters were recognized by the judges as outstanding and received $200 prizes and certificates of achievement for their research accomplishments. A total of 22 second and 22 third place awards, and 21 honorable mention awards, were also presented on Saturday evening during the reception. Each of these students received certificates of recognition for their accomplishments.

In addition to presenting their posters, students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities during the conference. On Saturday morning, students attended the 2002 Young Investigator Award Lecture and participated in one of the following workshops: "Making Order Out of Chaos: The Beauty of Mathematics" with Benoit Mandelbrot, "Communicating Science: Telling the Research Story in Pictures" with Rosalind Reid, a panel session on "Exploring Career Paths in Science and Engineering," and "Science Journalism and Politics: When Cultures Collide" with Richard Harris. During Saturday afternoon, students participated in a graduate school panel discussion and heard special remarks from the Society's Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Sculley. Throughout the entire conference students also had the opportunity to interact with 37 representatives of 22 organizations that hosted exhibits at the conference.

Also, throughout the Annual Meeting, delegates had the opportunity to review 17 chapter poster presentations and 25 scientific posters presented by delegates.

Throughout the meeting, five international scientists participated in a variety of activities as part of Sigma Xi's Packard Initiative to network scientists in developing countries with each other and the global scientific community. In addition to learning about Sigma Xi and preparing plans to develop Sigma Xi groups in their countries, these scientists participated in a Saturday afternoon workshop on the Society's Packard Initiative and attended the Friday evening reception in their honor that was hosted by the Society's International Committee.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
One Hundred Third Annual Meeting

November 13-17, 2002
Moody Gardens Hotel
Galveston, Texas

Draft Proceedings of the Assembly of Delegates

1. The Assembly of Delegates to the November 2002 Annual Meeting of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society was convened at the Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston, Texas in three sessions on 15, 16, and 17 November 2002. The Chair of the Assembly was Dr. W. Franklin Gilmore, President of the Society.

   SESSION I

   Introductory Remarks by the President

2. Dr. Gilmore introduced himself to the Assembly, then welcomed delegates, spouses, and friends to the 103rd Annual Meeting of Sigma Xi. In opening his remarks to the Assembly, Dr. Gilmore asked the Assembly to join him in thanking Dr. Evan Ferguson, Sigma Xi's Deputy Executive Director, for serving as the Acting Executive Director of Sigma Xi from September 2001 until June 2002 when Dr. Patrick Sculley joined the Society as Executive Director. He then introduced Ms. Ann Gilton, Sigma Xi's Parliamentarian, Dr. Patrick Sculley, the Society's Executive Director, and Dr. Richard Meyer, the Society's Treasurer. The President then advised delegates that on Wednesday, 13 November 2002, the Society's Board of Directors approved a strategic plan for Sigma Xi. This strategic plan was envisioned to be a living document that would change over time, but will serve to guide Sigma Xi in the next few years. He then advised delegates that they would have the opportunity to review and comment upon the strategic plan in their discussions in the regional assemblies of delegates and in the meetings of the constituency groups.

3. Continuing, Dr. Gilmore also advised delegates that the Board of Directors also approved a plan for going ahead with a new home for Sigma Xi in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina after 13 years of renting office space in the Park. Previously, the Society believed that a major pledge would enable Sigma Xi to build its own building in the Park and this pledge may, or may not, materialize. With or without this pledge, the Board approved a plan to build a new building for the Society that would house Sigma Xi's administrative offices and also serve as a convening place for a variety of meetings within the Society. One reason for going ahead with the plan at this time is that interest rates are currently so low that, in fifteen years, the Society would own its own building and the costs for operating the building would be substantially less than if we continued to rent space in the Park.

4. The President then advised delegates that he recently participated on Sigma Xi's behalf in the "Pan-Organizational Summit on the U.S. Science & Engineering Workforce" that was sponsored by the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable of the National Academies. Dr. Sculley and the Society's administrative staff put together an excellent position paper for the summit that was presented on behalf of the Society's Board of Directors, since there was insufficient time to involve the chapters in the process and to construct the position paper on behalf of the Society. The position paper did, in fact, mirror many of the views that were expressed in the 2002 forum that just concluded. In Dr. Gilmore's view, the position that the Society took was indeed the correct one and one that emphasized many important issues in the science and engineering workforce, including the view that changes must be made in the way we educate our workforce, and that we must use all of the talent available in this nation in the science and engineering workforce if we are to succeed in the future. He advised delegates that copies of the position paper would be made available to them during this meeting on request.

5. The President then reminded delegates that this Annual Meeting is the fourth meeting at which the new constituency groups will meet in Sigma Xi. Therefore, delegates will meet, as they have traditionally done, in 3 Regional Assemblies of Delegates to exchange views and experiences from chapters at a variety of institutional settings. However, delegates will also meet in 3 meetings of their appropriate constituency group, which will provide an opportunity for delegates from chapters at similar institutions to exchange views and experiences. Secondly, in order to streamline the business of the Assembly, the Reports of Officers and Standing Committees have been available for delegates, chapters, and members to review on the Society's Web site since early September and therefore will not be reviewed in the Assembly. Also, the minutes from the previous meeting in November 2001 were approved by a special committee of delegates from that meeting and have been available on the Society's Web site since June 2002. Therefore, the Assembly will not need to review and approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Finally, this annual meeting will feature chapter and scientific posters that will be available for viewing and discussion by delegates. All day Saturday, Sigma Xi's Student Research Conference will take place and include over 200 research posters by undergraduates and high school students, among other events. The President then urged delegates to take the opportunity to attend these sessions and particularly to interact with the students.

6. At the request of Dr. Gilmore, the Deputy Executive Director then explained the voting procedures to be used by delegates to select a President-elect, and for any written ballots in the Assembly of Delegates. To cast their vote for President-elect, delegates were to use the single white ballot sheet they received in their registration packets that included the names of the two nominees, Dr. Ayala and Dr. Kelly. They were to indicate their selection on the ballot in the spaces indicated. Ballots for election of the President-elect were to be placed in the ballot box in the registration area by 5:30 p.m. Saturday in order to be counted and results of the election would be announced in the final Assembly on Sunday morning. The small, green ballot books were to be used for any elections in the Regional Assemblies and the small, white ballot books were to be used in the Constituency Groups. Information on all the nominees for elections at the meeting is contained in pages 26-58 of the program and the Deputy Director urged delegates to read this information carefully before casting their ballots. For any ballots taken in the Assembly, the President will announce which number ballot was to be used and delegates were to mark their ballot; ballots in the Assembly would be collected by the Tellers, scanned electronically, and the results reported to the Assembly. There were no questions concerning the balloting procedure.

7. Continuing, Dr. Gilmore reminded the Assembly that there is a single recommendation from the Board of Directors to be considered by the Assembly. That recommendation is the eight-point motion on annual dues for the year beginning 1 July 2003, which is contained on page 13 of the program and updated in a handout that delegates received in their registration packets. He added that there were only 45 minutes in this first Assembly but there would be additional Assemblies on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Therefore, during this first Assembly, agenda items #1-6B would be taken up, including the recommendation of the Board to the Assembly, and any questions for clarification in regard to this issue would be answered. Thus, the business of the Society would be placed before the Assembly in this first session. Discussion of these issues would then take place in the three Regional Assemblies of Delegates and in the second and third Assemblies of Delegates, if needed. Voting on these issues would take place in the second or third Assemblies depending on how much discussion will be needed on these issues by the Assembly. This process should provide ample time for discussion of the issue before voting on it. Finally, the President advised delegates that agenda items #9 B-D (Election of Directors for Constituency Groups, election of Associate Directors for Geographic Regions and Constituency Groups, and election of members of the Committee on Nominations) will take place in the Regional Assemblies of Delegates and in the Constituency Groups with the results of these elections reported in the final Assembly on Sunday morning.

   Approval of the Agenda of the Assembly of Delegates of the 103rd Annual Meeting

8. The President reminded delegates that the proposed agenda for the Assembly was contained on page 11 of the Annual Meeting Program that each delegate received at registration and this information also has been available on the Society's Web site for delegates, chapters, and members to review since early September. Dr. Gilmore then requested that Agenda Item #12 (Remarks by the President-elect) be moved to the opening of the second Assembly, since Dr. Peter Raven will not be able to provide his remarks during the final Assembly on Sunday morning. Without objection, the amended agenda for the Assembly of Delegates of the 103rd Annual Meeting was adopted.

   Report of the President

9. Dr. Gilmore reminded delegates that the Report of the President for the year ending 30 June 2002 is on pages 14 and 15 of the program booklet and has been available on the Society's Web site since early September. There were no additions made, nor questions asked, concerning the Report of the President.

   Report of the Treasurer

10. The President reminded delegates that the Report of the Treasurer is on pages 19-23 of the program booklet and has been available of the Society's Web site since late September. In commenting on this report, the Society's current Treasurer, Dr. Richard Meyer, expressed his gratitude, and that of Sigma Xi, to Dr. John Prados whose 12-year term as the Society's Treasurer concluded on 30 June 2002. The Treasurer also expressed his gratitude to the Society's Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and the Director of Budget & Finance for their efforts in assisting him and Sigma Xi in the Society's financial matters. Referring to page 19 of the Program, Dr. Meyer advised delegates that two important statements concerning the performance of Sigma Xi's accounts during the year ending 30 June 2002 were contained on that page. The Society's Director of Budget & Finance prepared the General Statement, and the Society's former Treasurer, Dr. Prados, prepared the Perspective. He then advised the Assembly that the Society's investments were currently outperforming the stock market, which is good news for Sigma Xi. Referring to page 23 of the Program, Dr. Meyer then advised delegates that, for the year ending 30 June 2002, Sigma Xi finished with a surplus of $86,800 and he thanked the staff for making this possible in such difficult financial times. In concluding his brief remarks, Dr. Meyer indicated that he would be visiting the Regional Assemblies of Delegates during the meeting and would be glad to answer any questions that delegates may have in regard to the Society's finances.

    Report of the Executive Director

11. At the invitation of Dr. Gilmore, the Executive Director provided additional remarks to the Report of the Executive Director that was contained on pages 16-18 of the program booklet and had been available to delegates, chapters, and members on the Society's Web site since early September. In opening his remarks to the Assembly, Dr. Sculley indicated that he was proud to be at his first Assembly of Delegates as Executive Director of Sigma Xi and he thanked the Deputy Executive Director for serving as Acting Executive Director of the Society from September 2001 until his arrival in June 2002. He then spent several minutes introducing himself to delegates and related his background as a General in the U.S. Army to the skills and experiences desired by the Society's Search Committee and by Sigma Xi. These included: an individual who really wanted to do the work of the Executive Director of Sigma Xi and who would bring enthusiasm and energy to the job; experience in management and leadership; experience in strategic planning; experience in financial management; experience in facilities construction; experience with associations; and experience in working with scientists.

12. In regard to facilities construction, Dr. Sculley indicated that he was delighted that Sigma Xi is moving forward to build a new home for the Society that will represent the venerable image of Sigma Xi, yet at the same time be looking forward to the future. This new building will be a place where the Society's leaders can meet to craft the strategy for Sigma Xi and where people can engage in the Society's programs to advance the future of science and technology. Concerning his experience with associations, the Executive Director indicated that, because of his service as a volunteer in many dental associations, he understands how associations work. Also, he appreciates the volunteer leaders of associations that make the real difference in the organization and understands that his job is to facilitate the success of the volunteers in Sigma Xi. Dr. Sculley also advised the Assembly that, previously, he worked with 70,000 scientists in the U.S. Army and now he works for the 70,000 members of Sigma Xi. In closing this part of his remarks, Dr. Sculley indicated that the most important aspect of his taking the position of Executive Director of Sigma Xi was that he is now doing the work that he chose to do. He also indicated that he wanted to have a job that was bigger than himself and to work for an organization that had a vision. In his view, the mission of Sigma Xi is to advance science and engineering to improve the quality of life and he wanted to be a part of that mission.

13. Continuing, Dr. Sculley then provided an update on activities within Sigma Xi since the Report of the Executive Director was written. These included:
    • A re-design of the Society's Web site that makes the site easy to navigate for those visiting the Web site;
    • The American Scientist Online project that was started last year that has archival content available to members and soon will provide personalized services for members. This project extends important member services to each and every member of the Society;
    • A low bandwidth version of American Scientist that extends the magazine's content to our colleagues overseas. The magazine's editor attended a meeting in Italy recently and previewed the project for those participating in the meeting;
    • A member survey during late summer 2002 the results of which were used to inform the strategic planning process of the Society. The survey also reminded members of the outstanding programs and services the Society provides to its members. Sigma Xi will be able to conduct a survey every year in the future to develop longitudinal data of how its members view the Society;
    • The development of a new database for the Society that really is a decision-support system for Sigma Xi. The new database will allow staff to analyze data much more quickly and extensively and will enable Sigma Xi to make better informed decisions in the future
    • A new member exchange will be online shortly that will be a bulletin board for members where, for example, job openings may be posted for students and others;
    • A proposal submitted to the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for Sigma Xi to conduct a survey of postdoctoral fellows in order to benchmark the best postdoctoral programs;
    • The building of a new home for Sigma Xi within the next year that will be fitting for the image of the Society and that, by the year 2020, will save the Society money when compared to the cost of renting facilities which we now do. The new building will house the administrative offices of the Society, the production of the Society's outstanding magazine, and will be a convening space where chapters, members, and others can come and engage in Sigma Xi's program activities.
    • Development of a strategic plan for Sigma Xi. Dr. Sculley described the process that led to the Board's adoption of the plan that includes a mission, a vision, a culture statement, and 9 prioritized goals for the Society. The staff and the Society's committees will develop objectives and initiatives to support the goals of the plan and he invited delegates to provide their input into the objectives and initiatives during the meeting.

14. In closing his remarks to the Assembly, the Executive Director indicated that he was pleased with the momentum he sees within the Society and he was proud to lead the outstanding staff of Sigma Xi. He also was proud to serve the volunteer leaders of the Society who make the real difference in the organization and who will continue the legacy of Sigma Xi to advance science and engineering for the betterment of humankind. There were no questions concerning the Report of the Executive Director.

    Appointment of the Credentials Committee, Tellers, and the Committee on Resolutions

15. The President announced that the following individuals had been appointed to the Committee on Resolutions for the 2002 Assembly of Delegates:

    Anna R. Dixon, Chair, Eckerd College Chapter
    Kathleen Antol, University of Notre Dame Chapter
    Joe Hendricks, Oregon State University Chapter

16. Dr. Gilmore then announced the appointments of the following individuals to constitute the Credentials Committee for the November 2002 Assembly of Delegates:

    Bernd Ulrich Budelmann, Chair, University of Texas Medical Branch Chapter
    Bruce R. Hargreaves, Lehigh University Chapter
    Joanne K. Tillotson, SUNY at Purchase Chapter

17. The following delegates, two from each region, were then announced by Dr. Gilmore to serve as Tellers in both the Assembly of Delegates and the respective Regional Assemblies of Delegates:

    MID-ATLANTIC REGION
    Ruth D. Thorton, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Chapter
    Paddy Wiesenfeld, Food and Drug Administration Chapter

    NORTH CENTRAL REGION
    Janet Huie, Carthage College Chapter
    Alan Shapiro, University of Minnesota Chapter

    NORTHEAST REGION
    Michael E. Hagerman, Union College Chapter
    Patricia Ross, University of Toronto Chapter

    NORTHWEST REGION
    Gunnar Valdimarsson, Manitoba Chapter
    C. Susan Weiler, Head Teller, Whitman College-Walla Walla College Chapter

    SOUTHEAST REGION
    Ann N. Clarke, Vanderbilt University Chapter
    Tucker A. Patterson, Central Arkansas Chapter

    SOUTHWEST REGION
    Jeffrey Kopachena, Texas A&M - Commerce Chapter
    Darlene Yee-Melichar, San Francisco State University Chapter

    Reports and Recommendations from the Board of Directors

18. The President reminded the Assembly that the motion from the Board of Directors would be presented this afternoon and questions answered for clarification of the motion. Discussion on the motion would take place in the remaining two Assemblies of Delegates, if needed, and the Regional Assemblies of Delegates. The motion would be voted upon during the second or third Assemblies, depending on the amount of discussion needed for the motion.

19. Annual Dues for 2003-2004 (FY 2004). Dr. Gilmore reminded the Assembly that this motion was contained on page 13 of the program booklet that delegates received at registration and this information also has been available on the Society's Web site for delegates, chapters, and members to review since early September. Delegates also received an updated version of this motion in their registration packets that contains the actual increases proposed according to the cost of living (CPI) for the year ending 30 September 2002. An explanation of the motion was contained on page 12 of the program booklet and also has been available on the Society's Web site since early September. The President then invited the Society's Treasurer to introduce the eight-point motion on annual dues and fees for the year ending 30 June 2004 (FY2004) on behalf of the Board of Directors.

20. The Society's Treasurer, Dr. Meyer, then reviewed briefly each point of the motion indicating the amounts of any increases proposed by the Board of Directors based on the cost of living (CPI) for the year ending 30 September 2002. Dr. Meyer then moved the adoption of the eight-point motion on annual dues for FY04. There were no questions concerning the recommendation of the Board of Directors in regard to the annual dues for 2003-2004.

21. Dr. Gilmore then adjourned the Assembly until the second session on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m.

    SESSION II

22. Dr. Gilmore opened the second session of the Assembly of Delegates by reminding delegates that in this session, the Assembly will first take up agenda item #12 (Remarks by the President-elect), then move to items #7 (Recognition for Outstanding Membership Elections) and #8 (Presentation of Chapter Certificates of Excellence, Program Awards, and Diversity Program Awards). The remainder of the session will be spent with discussion, and possible voting, on the recommendation from the Board of Directors. He then invited Dr. Peter Raven, President-elect of the Society, to provide his remarks to the Assembly.

    Remarks by the President-elect

23. In opening his remarks to the Assembly, Dr. Raven indicated that it was a very exciting time to be President-elect of the Society because of the dynamic leadership of Sigma Xi that continues to develop both the central themes of the Society, and the strength and vitality of the individual chapters that are central to any successes of the Society. In his view, both the adoption of the strategic plan and the decision to go ahead with a new building for the Society are remarkable accomplishments that bode well for the future of Sigma Xi. Dr. Raven indicated that he looks forward to working with those responsible for these decisions in implementing the strategic plan and in building a new home for Sigma Xi that will be the focal point of the Society's activities.

24. The President-elect then turned his attention to the November 2003 forum and annual meeting that will take place in Los Angeles. He advised delegates that a tentative theme for the meeting, "Scientific Communication: A Global Imperative," has been adopted for the forum and he is now working to find plenary speakers and suitable breakout sessions for that theme. He added that it is obvious that the tragic events of 9/11 have brought America into contact with the rest of the world to a degree that everyone would have liked to have avoided. However, regardless of how isolationist we may want to be, it is global trade and global interchange that brings our prosperity to us, not only our internal actions and internal institutions. Thus, the theme for the 2003 forum is most appropriate for today's world situation and for the 21st Century. Dr. Raven then expressed the hope that individual chapters will innovate new ways to promote an international agenda in which the important role of science will address such issues as environmental change, political uncertainty, and unfortunate misunderstandings between peoples. The 2003 forum will emphasize the important role of addressing international scientific issues because science is rationale, nurturing, and helps people to build their capabilities to deal with their own problems in their own ways.

25. Continuing with the 2003 forum, Dr. Raven indicated that, in his view, Sigma Xi is in an excellent position to undertake this forum. He emphasized again that Sigma Xi would like to energize chapters and members to think of ways to contribute to this effort. The November 2003 forum will emphasize notable international speakers, both from within the United States and abroad, who can bring to light some important concepts involved in thinking about the international situation. Also, since the forum will take place in Southern California, thinking about our relationship with Mexico is timely and should be of great interest to the Society's chapters and members. For example, now that NAFTA has been formed, we are forged into a strong relationship with Mexico, yet in many ways we have just begun to explore the dimensions of what this relationship means. On the one hand, among developing countries, Mexico has a strong scientific and engineering establishment, yet, on the other hand, it clearly is a country that hasn't capitalized on what it could do. Thus, part of the November 2003 forum will be devoted to talking about these issues, talking about success stories in Mexico, and in inviting people from Mexico to tell us how they see it from their perspective.

26. In closing his remarks to the Assembly, the President-elect advised delegates that Sigma Xi will be formulating a program for the 2003 forum in the next few months and getting out preliminary information about the meeting, but the Society would also like the ideas of delegates and chapters about what kinds of activities could be undertaken that would be if interest to them in the 2003 forum. He mentioned, for example, one activity where Sigma Xi might ask chapters to promote, or think about, international activities during the coming year, reflect on these during the November 2003 meeting, then implement their ideas in the year following the 2003 forum. Dr. Raven then indicated that he knows the 2003 forum will be both a rewarding and certainly a fundamentally important experience for those participating in the event.

    Recognition for Outstanding Membership Elections

27. Dr. Gilmore invited Dr. Howard Ceri, Northwest Regional Director and a member of the Society's Committee on Qualifications and Membership, to oversee the presentation of the chapter awards. In his opening remarks to the Assembly, Dr. Ceri reminded the Assembly that each year Sigma Xi recognizes chapters that induct the most new members into the Society by awarding them Certificates of Recognition. This recognition is important because Sigma Xi is unique among scientific societies because chapters elect 90% of the Society's new members. He also reminded the Assembly that it is the responsibility of the chapters to maintain and build the membership of Sigma Xi. Dr. Ceri then announced the 16 chapters to be recognized while the President presented Certificates of Recognition to delegates from those chapters in attendance at the 2002 Annual Meeting. The following chapters were recognized: Amherst College Chapter, Brown University Chapter, Bucknell University Chapter, Carleton College Chapter, Claremont Colleges Chapter, Fordham University Chapter, Georgetown University Chapter, Manhattan College Chapter, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chapter, Mount Holyoke College Chapter, Newark Chapter, North Carolina State University Chapter, Smith College Chapter, Swarthmore College Chapter, Washington University Chapter, and the Williams College Chapter.

    Presentation of Chapter Program Awards

28. Continuing, Dr. Ceri reminded the Assembly that the Committee on Qualifications and Membership recognizes chapters that have hosted a single, outstanding program during the past year. Winners of these awards are selected by the Committee on Qualifications and Membership from a pool of nominees submitted by the regional directors. Detailed descriptions of the programs will be featured on the Society's Web site and letters of congratulations have been sent to chapter members and administrators at the host institutions. With Dr. Gilmore presenting certificates to delegates from those chapters in attendance at the meeting, Dr. Ceri then recognized the following chapters, indicating for each chapter why they were selected to receive an award: Alaska Chapter, Central Arkansas Chapter, University of Florida Chapter, University of Illinois at Chicago Chapter, National Institute of Standards and Technology Chapter, and the Washington College Chapter.

    Presentation of Sigma Xi Chapter Diversity Awards

29. Dr. Ceri then introduced Dr. Regina McClinton, a member of the Society's Committee on Diversity, to present the Chapter Diversity Awards. In her brief remarks to the Assembly, Dr. McClinton advised the Assembly that, in an effort to raise the visibility of diversity issues within Sigma Xi, the Committee on Diversity offers program awards to chapters that have organized outstanding programs that promote diversity within the science, engineering, and research communities. The Committee reviewed the annual chapter reports and this year selected two chapters to receive this award. With Dr. Gilmore presenting certificates to delegates from those chapters, Dr. McClinton then recognized the following two chapters, indicating for each chapter why they were selected to receive a Chapter Diversity Award: The Howard University Chapter, and the Middle Tennessee State University Chapter.

    Presentation of Certificates of Excellence

30. Continuing, Dr. Ceri advised the Assembly that the Committee on Qualifications and Membership awards Certificates of Excellence each year to chapters for their outstanding program and membership activities. In selecting these chapters, the Regional Directors reviewed the annual reports from chapters in their regions and made recommendations to the Committee who made the final selections. The Committee selected these chapters based on the following criteria: impact of the chapter's program on the community; level of innovation or initiative; breadth and variety of programs; and overall quality of the chapter's program. Dr. Ceri then recognized the 11 chapters, indicating for each why they were selected to receive the award, while Dr. Gilmore presented Certificates of Excellence to delegates from the chapters who were in attendance at the meeting. The following chapters were recognized: Alaska Chapter, Eastern New Mexico University Chapter, Howard University Chapter, University of Illinois at Chicago Chapter, National Institute of Standards and Technology Chapter, University of New Mexico Chapter, Pace University Chapter, Quinnipiac Chapter, Tifton Chapter, and the Washington College Chapter.

    Reports and Recommendations from the Board of Directors (Resumed)

31. Annual Dues for 2003-2004 (FY2004). Dr. Gilmore advised delegates that the remainder of the second session would be used for discussion of the recommendation from the Board of Directors to the Assembly in regard to the 8-point motion on annual dues. Depending on the time needed for discussion of this item, a vote on this item may take place during this Assembly or be deferred until the final Assembly on Sunday morning. He then asked if there were any questions or comments in regard to the 8-point motion on annual dues. Without questions or comments, and with one vote in opposition, the Assembly then approved by a standing vote the motion on annual dues for 2003-2004 (FY2004).

32. Dr. Gilmore then adjourned the Assembly until Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

    SESSION III

33. The President advised the Assembly that, during this session, they would undertake the remaining items on the agenda that included agenda items #9, 10, and 11.

    Election of Officers.

34. The President announced that the following individual had been elected by the Assembly of Delegates to serve as President-elect of the Society from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004:

    Francisco J. Ayala, University of California at Irvine Chapter

    Election of Directors of Constituency Groups

35. Dr. Gilmore then announced that the following individuals had been elected by their respective constituency group to serve as Directors of the group, and as members of the Board of Directors, for three years from 1 July 2003:

    BACCALAUREATE COLLEGES CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    Sue Ann Miller, Hamilton College Chapter

    CANADIAN/INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    M. Anthony (Tony) Whitehead, McGill-Montreal Chapter

    Election of Associate Directors of Geographic Regions and Constituency Groups.

36. The President also announced that the following individuals had been elected by their respective geographic region or constituency group to serve as Associate Director of the region or group for three years from 1 July 2003:

    NORTH CENTRAL GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    Murray Kaplan, Iowa State University Chapter

    NORTHWEST GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    John J. Kelley, Alaska Chapter

    SOUTHEAST GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    Ann Houston Williams, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapter

    SOUTHWEST GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    Alan R. Miller, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Chapter

    RESEARCH & DOCTORAL UNIVERSITIES CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    W. R. (Bill) Klemm, Texas A&M University Chapter

    Election of Members of the Committee on Nominations by Geographic Regions and Constituency Groups.

37. Finally, Dr. Gilmore announced that the following individuals had been elected by their respective geographic region or constituency group to serve three years on the Committee on Nominations from 17 November 2002:

    MID-ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    Geraldine Twitty, Howard University Chapter

    NORTHEAST GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    David J. Triggle, SUNY at Buffalo Chapter

    COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    Kimberlyn Williams, California State University at San Bernardino Chapter

    AREA GROUPS, INDUSTRIES, STATE & FEDERAL LABORATORIES CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    Musau Wakabongo, Greater Des Moines Area Chapter

    Report of the Committee on Resolutions.

38. Dr. Anna Dixon, Chair of the Committee on Resolutions, moved the adoption of the following commemorative resolutions on behalf of the Committee:

    BE IT RESOLVED that the 103rd Annual Assembly of Delegates of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society commends Dr. Frank Gilmore for a very successful meeting. Be it further resolved that this Assembly commends the Officers of the Society and the Sigma Xi staff for their assistance in organizing and running the meeting.

    BE IT RESOLVED that the 103rd Annual Assembly of Delegates of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society commends the following chapters in recognition of their anniversary celebrations as chapters of the Society:

    100 Years
    University of California at Berkeley Chapter
    Columbia University Chapter

    75 Years
    Michigan State University Chapter

    50 Years
    Boston University Chapter
    University of Notre Dame Chapter
    Columbia Willamette Chapter
    Dupont Chapter
    Alamo Chapter
    Hanscom Chapter
    Argonne National Laboratory Chapter
    Kansas City Chapter
    Alfred University Chapter
    Triple Cities - New York Chapter

    25 Years
    Southcentral Pennsylvania Chapter

    The resolutions were adopted unanimously by the Assembly.

    Report of the Credentials Committee

39. The Chair of the Credentials Committee, Dr. Bernd Budelmann, reported that 185 chapters were represented by 190 delegates and additional delegates at the November 2002 Annual Meeting. The membership-at-large was represented by 3 delegates. The Committee noted that delegates representing the Swiss and Hungarian Chapters also were in attendance at the November 2002 Annual Meeting. Therefore, there were a total of 185 chapters represented at the November 2002 Annual Meeting and 193 delegates and additional delegates in attendance at the meeting.·

    Closing Remarks by the President

40. Dr. Gilmore indicated that he appreciated very much the Committee on Resolutions thanking the Sigma Xi staff for their efforts at this annual meeting. However, he specifically wanted to ensure that the Assembly recognizes all the staff for their very hard work in preparing and implementing the meeting. He also thanked the hotel staff for working so effectively with the Sigma Xi staff to make the meeting operate so smoothly. The Assembly then joined Dr. Gilmore in congratulating the Sigma Xi staff for their efforts in making the November 2002 Annual Meeting so successful.

    Adjournment

41. The President then thanked delegates for their attendance and participation in the meeting and declared the 103rd Assembly of Delegates adjourned.