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2005 » Minutes

One Hundred Sixth Annual Meeting
November 3-6, 2005
The Westin Seattle Hotel
Seattle, Washington

A Summary Report

The 106th Annual Meeting of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society took place at the Westin Seattle Hotel in Seattle, Washington from Thursday, 3 November, to Sunday, 6 November 2005. The Assembly of Delegates was convened on 3, 4, and 6 November with Sigma Xi's President, Dr. Lynn Margulis, in the Chair for the first session and the President-elect, Dr. James Baur, presiding over the second and third sessions of the Assembly. The Proceedings of the Assembly are annexed to this report. Delegates also participated in the six Regional Assemblies of Delegates, each of which was convened on 4 and 6 November and in meetings of the Society's Constituency Groups, five of which were convened on 5 and 6 November. During the Annual Meeting, the following meetings also were held:

November 3 Board of Directors - Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
November 3 Board of Directors - Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Incorporated
November 2 Executive Committee
November 2 Committee on Awards
November 4 Committee on Regions
November 4 Sigma Xi Fund of Canada

Pre-Meeting Events

Prior to the start of the annual meeting, two pre-meeting events took place for delegates and members. On Thursday afternoon, 3 November 2005, a focus group on "Membership Frontiers" was held and facilitated by Dr. Kelly Sullivan, a member of the Society's Committee on Qualifications and Membership. The invited participants in this focus group provided their views on decisions made earlier that day by Sigma Xi's Board of Directors in regard to expanding affiliation opportunities with the Society for individuals who do not qualify for full or associate membership, yet wish to support Sigma Xi in other ways. Participants had the opportunity to review these decisions that affect the future of membership in Sigma Xi and to address the question, "How do we proceed from here?" Also on Thursday, a half-day workshop on the "National Computational Science Institute " was held that explored computational science tools that can help undergraduate students better understand complex issues in science, math and engineering. This workshop focused on computational techniques that can be used to explore phenomena that are difficult to see or work with in the classroom or laboratory.

Keynote Addresses

On Friday afternoon, Dr. Bjarne Stroustrup, The College of Engineering Chair Professor in Computer Science at Texas A&M University, received the 2005 William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement and delivered the Procter Prize Address, C++: Evolving a Language In and For the Real World. Prior to presentation of the Procter Prize, Dr. Gabriel Dos Reis, a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Parasol Lab within the Department of Computer Science at Texas A&M University, received a $5,000 grant-in-aid of research from the Procter Fund as the young scientist designated for this award by Dr. Stroustrup.

On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Thomas Spencer, Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology and Physiological Genomics in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University, received the 2005 Young Investigator Award in the area of the life and social sciences. After receiving the award, Dr. Spencer presented the Young Investigator Award Lecture, Comparative Biology as a Key to Understanding Uterine Development and Function.

Also on Saturday afternoon, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, received the 2005 John P. McGovern Science and Society Medal and presented the 2005 John P. McGovern Lecture, Adventures in Communicating Ocean Science, Technology, Policy and Conservation.

Other Special Events

On Thursday evening, following the first Assembly of Delegates, an opening reception was held during which Mr. David Farr circulated throughout the reception providing magical entertainment for the guests. Friday morning, a "Share the Honor" breakfast took place with the Society's Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Sculley. This invitation-only event was held for delegates who nominated at least 5 new members since 1 July 2004. Also, on Friday, students and delegates participated in a "Networking Lunch" where they had the opportunity to meet fellow participants, network with conference exhibitors, and interact with other scientists at designated interest tables featuring discussions on a variety of issues impacting science and society.

On Friday evening, annual meeting participants had the opportunity for after-dinner networking, relaxation, coffee, cash bar and music at "The Sigma Xi Café" with musical entertainment provided by a jazz combo of students from the University of Washington's School of Music. The jazz combo included Gwen Bayly (saxophone), Krista Waters (keyboard), and Arick Gouwerok (bass). On Saturday morning, a special event was held for delegates and students entitled "Breakfast with Sylvia Earle" in which participants enjoyed a continental breakfast and had the opportunity to meet Dr. Sylvia Earle the 2005 John P. McGovern Science and Society Award Winner. On Saturday afternoon, following the John P. McGovern Science and Society Lecture, Mr. David Quammen, well-known science author, and Mr. Ira Flatow, science broadcaster and author, were initiated as the 34th and 35th honorary members of the Society. At the conclusion of this session, Dr. Earle, Mr. Quammen, and Mr. Flatow participated in book signings for students and delegates. Also, this year on Saturday Sigma Xi sponsored "Science in Seattle" where local members and guests could participate in the sessions on Saturday at a special registration rate.

Saturday evening the annual banquet was held during which guests enjoyed a murder mystery dinner theater, "CSI: Seattle," produced by Susan St. Vincent and contracted by the Colorado-based Blue Moon Talent, Inc. Following dinner, music for listening and dancing was provided by "Mr. Lobbo Music and Lights" with Mr. Armando Garcia as the disc jockey.

Chapter and Educational Sessions

On Thursday afternoon, immediately prior to the first Assembly of Delegates, a "Delegate Orientation" was held for all delegates. Presented by the Society's Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Sculley, this session informed delegates about the events at the Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference and provided them with an update about the Society and its activities.

During the 2005 Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference, a total of 5 chapter and educational sessions were held for students, delegates, members, and non-members. On Friday morning, the first chapter session included the topics "Chapters 101 & 102: Chapter Management & Opportunities," "Outstanding Chapter Programs," "Chapter Leadership and Revitalization," and "Brainstorming About New Chapter Mentoring Programs for Minorities in Science, Technology and Engineering." The second chapter session on Friday afternoon included the topics "Strategies for Electing & Retaining Members," "Membership Frontiers," "Image and Meaning: Introducing a Regional Workshop Program on the Visual Communication of Science and Technology," and "Wild Blue Yonder: Challenges in Military and Commercial Flight Test Engineering."

On Saturday, 5 November, three sessions were held for delegates, students, members, and non-members. The first of these on Saturday morning included the educational topics "When It Doesn't Grow on Trees," "Ethics in Research," "Into the Cool I" and a chapter session entitled "Leadership Skills for Your Chapter and for Your Life." An early Saturday afternoon session included a "Chapter Roundtable" and the following educational sessions: "I Did It My Way: Discovering Your Career Pathway," "Picturing Science," "Secrets of the Grant Review Process," and "Into the Cool II." The final session on Saturday afternoon consisted of a chapter panel on "How to Develop a Chapter Program," and educational sessions on "Doctors Without Orders," "Panel on Ethics and Public Policy," and "Communicating Science to the Public."

Chapter Awards

Immediately prior to the presentation of the Procter Prize on Friday afternoon, a special ceremony was held that recognized outstanding achievement by the Society's chapters. The following chapters received Certificates of Excellence for exceptional chapter activity, innovative programming, and true community leadership during the past year: University of Delaware Chapter; Texas A&M University Chapter; Ohio State University Chapter; Food and Drug Administration Chapter; New Orleans Chapter, Charleston Chapter; and the Southern Oregon Chapter. Chapters receiving a Chapter Program Award for organizing and/or hosting a single outstanding program, especially one that other chapters can emulate, were: Alaska Chapter; Sigma Xi Georgia Partner; Tidewater Virginia Chapter; Charleston Chapter; and the University of Washington Chapter. The Greater Des Moines Area Chapter received a Diversity Program Award for an outstanding program that promotes diversity within the science, engineering, and research communities. Seven chapters received chapter awards within the past three years and were therefore ineligible to be considered this year. However, they will receive letters of recognition for their continuing meritorious work on behalf of the Society. Those chapters were: Washington College Chapter; McGill-Montreal Chapter; University of New Mexico Chapter; Pace University Chapter; Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Chapter; Rockefeller University Chapter; and the Howard University Chapter.

In addition, the following 15 chapters were recognized for initiating the most new members during the year ending 30 June 2005: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chapter; Princeton Chapter; Brown University Chapter; Smith College Chapter; Swarthmore College Chapter; Claremont Colleges Chapter; University of California-Irvine Chapter; Carleton College Chapter; Tampa Bay Chapter; Southern Maine Chapter; Washington University Chapter; Miami University - Ohio Chapter; Mount Holyoke Chapter; University of Chicago Chapter; and the Lafayette College Chapter.

Activities Participated in by Students and Delegates

Throughout Friday and Saturday Sigma Xi's 2005 Student Research Conference was held with sponsorship by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Participating in the conference were about 250 students, parents, members, and exhibitors that included 200 poster presenters and 15 oral student presentations from over 100 institutions throughout North America and abroad. Sigma Xi delegates and local members judged the poster presentations in two sessions that took place on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Following the John P. McGovern Science and Society Lecture on Saturday afternoon, 29 monetary awards were presented by Sigma Xi Past President Dr. Francisco Ayala and Dr. Patrick Sculley, the Society's Executive Director, to those students judged to have presented outstanding research posters. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences sponsored the student awards.

This year, in addition to the poster presentations, 15 graduate students presented their research in oral presentations of 15 minutes each with 3 minutes allotted for questions. The oral presentations took place in two sessions - one on Friday afternoon and the other on Saturday morning. The oral presentations were not judged.

The Student Research Conference opened on Friday morning with an orientation session that included welcoming remarks by the Society's Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Sculley, and an orientation to the meeting by Mr. Kevin Bowen, Sigma Xi's Manager for the Health of the Research Enterprise Program, who was responsible for planning and implementing the student conference. Unlike previous years, for the 2005 Student Research Conference there were no specific sessions for the students. When not presenting their research, students had the opportunity to participate in the same events and sessions as the delegates. This provided an even closer interaction between the students, delegates and Sigma Xi members throughout the meeting, which proved highly successful.

Throughout Friday and Saturday, students and delegates had the opportunity to interact with the following exhibitors for the Student Research Conference:Barnes & Noble; ORISEMaryland; Phased Particle Theory; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Experimental Field Biology at Sam Houston State University; Teach for America; The Krell Institute; Sally Ride Science's TOYchallenge; U.S. Army Health Care Recruiting; UBC Forestry; and the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Also, throughout the Annual Meeting, delegates and students had the opportunity to review chapter poster presentations, scientific posters presented by delegates, and display boards of Sigma Xi and its activities that were prepared by the Society's administrative offices. For the third year, a "Sigma Xi Quiz" was held where delegates could find the answers to 20 questions on the quiz from a variety of sources, such as chapter and educational sessions, PowerPoint™ presentations, display boards, and from staff. At the banquet on Saturday evening, winners of the "Sigma Xi Quiz" were announced.

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

November 3-6, 2005
The Westin Seattle Hotel
Seattle, Washington

    Proceedings of the Assembly of Delegates

  1. The Assembly of Delegates to the November 2005 Annual Meeting of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society was convened at the Westin Seattle Hotel in Seattle, Washington in three sessions on 3, 4, and 6 November 2005. The President of Sigma Xi, Dr. Lynn Margulis chaired the first session of the Assembly while Dr. James Baur, President-elect of Sigma Xi, chaired the second and third sessions.

    SESSION I

    Introductory Remarks by the President

  2. Dr. Margulis introduced herself to the Assembly, then welcomed delegates, spouses, and friends to the 106th Annual Meeting of Sigma Xi. She then introduced Dr. Ann McCartney, Sigma Xi's Parliamentarian, Dr. Patrick Sculley, the Society's Executive Director, and Dr. Richard Meyer, the Society's Treasurer, who would participate in various aspects of the Assembly proceedings. The President then mentioned to the Assembly that Dr. David Bohm, a noted physicist, had recently died and that all of us should take to heart his aphorism that science is the search for truth whether or not you like that truth.

    President-elect Nominees

  3. The President then introduced the two nominees for President-elect of the Society to the Assembly and invited them to make very brief remarks. In his remarks, the first nominee, Dr. James Porter, indicated that he has been a member of Sigma Xi since 1972 and that he was honored to be here before the Assembly as a candidate for President-elect of the Society. He then expressed his concern about science and the importance of science in influencing and informing policy within governments. Dr. Porter also indicated that he was proud of Sigma Xi as an organization that stood up for scientific truth. Dr. Vera Alexander, the second nominee for President-elect, indicated that she has been a Sigma Xi member for over 30 years and has always felt that the Society was an important force for science. She agreed with Dr. Porter that one of the most important issues right now is science and public policy and, in particular, the misunderstanding of the validity of science versus the validity of misinformed opinion. In her view, one of the greatest challenges that science faces is to remain very professional and very rigorous in our approach to things. Thus, scientists must be engaged in an effective way to solve this problem. Finally, Dr. Alexander expressed her great admiration for American Scientist and that she would be proud to be President-elect of the organization that produces such an outstanding magazine but that operating such an organization is a daunting task.

    Procedural Remarks by the President

  4. The President then advised delegates that, in order to streamline the business of the Assembly, the Reports of 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 2004 were approved by a special committee of delegates from that meeting and have been available on the Society's Web site since June 2005. Therefore, the Assembly will not need to review and approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Also, this annual meeting will feature chapter and scientific posters that will be available for viewing and discussion by delegates. On Friday and Saturday, Sigma Xi's Student Research Conference will take place and include over 200 research posters by students, among other events. The President then urged delegates to take the opportunity to attend these sessions and particularly to interact with the students.

  5. The Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Sculley, 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 and in the regional and constituency groups. Information on the nominees for President-elect is contained in pages 46-49 of the program and information for elections in the regional and constituency groups will be handed out to delegates in the appropriate groups meetings. The Executive Director then urged delegates to read this information carefully and, if possible, to meet the nominees before casting their ballots.

  6. Continuing, Dr. Margulis reminded the Assembly that there is a single recommendation from the Board of Directors to be considered by the Assembly. That recommendation is the nine-point motion on annual dues for the year beginning 1 July 2006, which is contained on page 34 of the program. She added that there were only 60 minutes in this first Assembly but there would be additional Assemblies on Friday and Sunday mornings. Therefore, during this first Assembly, agenda items #1-6B (Approval of the Agenda, Reports of the President, Treasurer and Executive Director, Appointment of Credentials Committee and Tellers and Announcement of the Committee on Resolutions, Reports and Recommendations from the Board of Directors) 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 this issue would then take place in the Regional Assemblies of Delegates and in the second and third Assemblies of Delegates, if needed. Voting on this issue would take place in the second or third Assemblies depending on how much discussion will be needed on this issue 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 #8 C-E (Election of Directors of Constituency Groups, Associate Directors of Geographic Regions and Constituency Groups, and Geographic Regional and Constituency Group Members of the Committee on Nominations) would 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 106th Annual Meeting

  7. 7. The President reminded delegates that the proposed agenda for the Assembly was contained on page 32 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. Without objection, the proposed agenda for the Assembly of Delegates of the 106th Annual Meeting was adopted.

    Report of the President

  8. At the request of Dr. Margulis, Dr. Ayala summarized his Report of the President that was contained on pages 35 & 36 of the annual meeting program. He indicated that he was very fortunate to be President of Sigma Xi at a very promising time for the Society that included three important developments: First, the appointment of a very capable Executive Director in Dr. Patrick Sculley. Secondly, the building of the Sigma Xi Center under the direction and vision of Dr. Sculley that not only provides administrative offices for Sigma Xi but is a home for many of the Society's activities. Thirdly, the creation of a strategic plan for Sigma Xi that is very ambitious, very promising and one that can be accomplished.

  9. Despite these positive developments, the Society still faces two major challenges. First, the continuing decline in membership in which the Society has lost over one-third of its members in the last 20 years, a situation where Sigma Xi cannot survive under these circumstances. However, Dr. Sculley has reorganized the Society's administrative offices with new people and a new vision that will certainly help the Society to solve this problem. Also, during the last meeting of the Board of Directors, the board reviewed data on membership and clearly Sigma Xi needs to recruit new members, retain its existing members and bring back its lapsed members. Surprisingly the major problem is retaining new members and increased activity within the chapters can help with this problem. From his own experience, bringing back lapsed members is fairly easy to do because all one has to do is to ask to rejoin and they will do so. The second challenge is the Society's finances where Sigma Xi has been withdrawing too much out of its endowment but this is coming under control. For this year, the Board authorized up to a 7% draw from the endowment to balance its budget but due to prudent fiscal management only a 5.38% draw was needed.

  10. Dr Ayala concluded his remarks with the view that he remains concerned about the Society's membership and finances but is confident the challenges will be solved with the new ideas and new people that are involved in addressing these problems. He added that he has a very optimistic view of the Society's future. There were no questions concerning the Report of the President.

  11. Following his remarks, Dr. Margulis presented Dr. Ayala with a few tokens of the Society's gratitude to him for his services as President of Sigma Xi. These included a certificate of appreciation and a bound volume of the issues of the magazine that were published during his tenure as President. Finally, the Assembly was shown a slide of an 18" hand-blown glass vase by Simon Pearce that had been sent directly to his residence as a final token of the Society's gratitude to Dr. Ayala for his services to Sigma Xi as President. Dr. Sculley added that a dozen long-stem roses were also being sent to Mrs. Ayala to complete the Society's recognition of Dr. Ayala.

    Report of the Treasurer

  12. The President reminded delegates that the Report of the Treasurer was on pages 40-43 of the program booklet and also that this information also has been available of the Society's Web site since late September. She then invited the Treasurer, Dr. Richard Meyer, to comment on his report. In his opening remarks to the Assembly, Dr, Meyer indicated that Sigma Xi continues to be a vibrant Society with a clear sense of direction. This vibrancy is based on a foundation of a forward-thinking strategic plan, a functional organization, a well managed and supportive staff, and a diligence to excellent fiscal control. The Treasurer indicated that it has been his pleasure to serve dedicated officers, and the thoughtful, tough-minded and progressive Board of Directors. In addition, the Committee on Finances has expended many days in support of the Society and these volunteers apply their depth of knowledge, experience, and expertise for the welfare of Sigma Xi. The Assembly then joined Dr. Meyer in acknowledging the contributions of these dedicated volunteers who serve the Society so well.

  13. In regard to specifics about the Society's financial situation, the Treasurer added the following points:
    • Sigma Xi has received the highest quality report from its auditors; that is a "clean report" for all aspects of the Society's finances as well as the management of those funds by staff, Directors, the Board, and the Society's committees;
    • In addition to the standard fiscal report, Sigma Xi received a specific analysis on our information and computer systems. The recommendations that were received from this report have helped the Society to a higher level of security for these systems;
    • The Treasurer, Executive Director, and the Board are keenly aware of the Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and Dr. Sculley has advised the Board that, individually and collectively, we perform our duties in the full spirit of those regulations;
    • The Board, Executive Director, and the Treasurer have complete copies of the audited financial statements and would be glad to share them with any delegates who might wish to review them;
    • For the year ending 30 June 2005, the Society's revenues increased by nearly two million dollars (about a 30.1% increase) that resulted from re-investment of our endowment income and changing to a new financial schedule;
    • Overall expenses for the year increased by only 1.3% due to the leadership by Dr. Sculley and staff, and the management that has been put into place.
    • The programs and support services endowment has turned from a negative to a positive flow with a total market value return of 23.6%;
    • The Society's Capital Campaign funds have been invested in high-yield bonds that returned about 4.4%;
    • The continued support of the Society's endowments by its membership is very important because invested contributions ensure the long-term growth of the Society in many ways. Dr. Meyer then introduced the Society's new Director of Development, Ms. Kristin Greenaway, an added that both of them would be glad to discuss potential contributions to Sigma Xi with delegates at any time;
    • During the coming year, Sigma Xi will continue to review its endowment funds, management strategies and risk tolerance. This review provides guidance to Sigma Xi and its financial managers on a five-year budget and investment plan. By applying this strategy to the Capital Campaign, for example, Sigma Xi will greatly improve its cash flow by an estimated 2.7 million dollars over the next five years;
    • Sigma Xi will continue to exercise prudent fiduciary management in order to maximize the funds that the Society's membership has put into its care;
    • He continues to be concerned about the Society's membership and urged delegates to have their chapters consider establishing specific membership goals and means to achieve those goals. In his view, Sigma Xi needs to focus on the three "R's": recruitment, retention, and reactivation of inactive members;

  14. In concluding his remarks, the Treasurer indicated that Sigma Xi continues to be strong, it is more efficient in its new Center, expanded membership services have been introduced, it has a clear sense of direction, it is well managed, and the membership's continued commitment to the Society is greatly appreciated. There were no questions concerning the Report of the Treasurer.

    Report of the Executive Director

  15. Dr. Margulis advised delegates that the Report of the Executive Director was contained on pages 37-39 of the meeting program and this report has been available on the Society's Web site since early September. She then invited Dr. Scully to comment on his report. In opening his remarks to the Assembly, Dr. Sculley indicated that it was a privilege to stand before the assembled leadership of Sigma Xi and to augment his previously written report. He indicated that he could summarize his report succinctly in that Sigma Xi is healthy and the past year has been marked by progress across the full spectrum of Sigma Xi's activities. In his view, that progress is attributable to the dedicated leadership and service of the Board, chapter leaders, members, and staff.

  16. Continuing, the Executive Director expressed his special appreciation to Immediate Past President, Dr. Francisco Ayala, for his outstanding leadership during the past year and as a person who always leads by example. The personal example that Dr. Ayala has set, particularly in the area of membership, is especially cogent where through his efforts two new chapters have been established in Mexico and hundreds of new colleagues added to Sigma Xi's membership. In addition, Dr. Ayala has been a special sense of guidance and inspiration to the Executive Director throughout a period of challenges and progress. Dr. Sculley then thanked the Society's Treasurer, Dr. Richard Meyer, who spends more time and energy than any officer of the Society in advancing Sigma Xi. Delegates, for example, have just received a very positive financial report for Sigma Xi and Dr. Meyer has been the driving force behind Sigma Xi's greater financial transparency, improved processes, and fiscal stewardship. He also expressed his gratitude to the Society's Board of Directors for their sage counsel and strong support and to Dr. Margulis, who as President has enabled the Society to get a very strong start to the current fiscal year. He noted with pride that 2,300 scientists turned out to hear Dr. Margulis speak in conjunction with the installation of the new chapters in Mexico City.

  17. The Executive Director then noted that his written report highlighted the programmatic advances of the Society during the past year. Sigma Xi should be proud of its accomplishments both at the chapter and headquarters levels where programs are facilitated centrally but executed de-centrally through local chapters. The Society's excellent postdoctoral survey, benchmarking best practices in postdoctoral programs, is a classic example of that partnership. The study was envisioned by staff and Visiting Scholar, Dr. Geoff Davis, but executed at the chapter level by Sigma Xi members uniting with local Postdoctoral Associations. This past spring, Sigma Xi published "Doctors Without Orders" to great acclaim as the study showed that improvements could be made in the experience of postdocs through common sense and low cost enhancements in organization and direction of postdoctoral fellowships. The actionable recommendations of the report will make a real difference for postdocs for decades to come. Dr. Sculley indicated that he was proud to report that Sigma Xi has received support for a follow-on workshop "Professionalizing the Postdoctoral Experience" and that the Society will continue to enjoy enhanced visibility and acclaim from this effort.

  18. Similarly, Sigma Xi's recent enhanced role in education and in the international arena has resulted in funding for a workshop "Ensuring the Globally Engaged Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Workforce." Supported by the National Science Foundation, this workshop will be held next spring in Washington, DC and the Society will publish a "tip-in" in American Scientist to report the results of this project. Clearly, our success in one program leads to additional opportunities to prove the mettle of the Society in advancing the health of the research enterprise. Dr. Sculley also was pleased to announce two new Society awards that will be presented in future years. First, the Chubb Award for Innovation that was provided through a generous gift from Walston Chubb. Secondly, the Bugliarello Prize for articles on topics at the intersection of biology, machines, and society.

  19. Dr. Sculley then added that the Society's traditional programs continue to add value to the research enterprise. A classic example of this is Sigma Xi's Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIAR) Program where the number of applicants continues to grow but most grants are awarded for less then $1,000. Unfortunately, the dues assessment to support this program was set at $2.00 twenty-three years ago and, therefore, the buying power of this assessment has declined. This year, however, the Assembly will be able to restore the full value of this program by approving the 9-point motion on annual dues that includes a doubling of the assessment for GIAR from $2.00 to $4.00. He urged delegates to approve the 9-point motion.

  20. Continuing, the Executive Director explained that Sigma Xi still faces the same challenges it has for the past several years - declining membership and the fiscal challenges the membership slide engenders. This year he can proudly report progress on both issues. In the past year, Sigma Xi has installed 5 new chapters with other chapters on the horizon and, in addition, the Society has initiated 800 more new members than in the previous year. Unfortunately, attrition of the Society's membership has more than offset these gains. He added that a careful analysis has revealed that retention is the number one membership problem and that is a chapter challenge as most of the Society's attrition of new members occurs within the first year of membership. He urged delegates to network with their colleagues and Sigma Xi's staff to explore ways to improve retention of the Society's new members through greater engagement with our newest members.

  21. Financially, Sigma Xi has made important changes in the face of declining dues revenues. We have restrained expenses, selected new investment advisors who are adding real value in the management of our endowment, and have hired a new Director of Development, Ms. Kristen Greenaway, to help us grow that endowment. Dr. Sculley encouraged delegates to discuss potential gifts to Sigma Xi with Ms. Greenaway. The Executive Director then explained that recently he has sent a letter to each chapter asking them to purchase a paver to support the Sigma Xi Center and he urged delegates to have their chapters help retire the debt on the new building through the purchase of a paver on behalf of their chapter.

  22. In closing his remarks, Dr. Sculley indicated that the Society's Director of Membership and Chapter Programs has introduced the phrase "Hearth and Home of Sigma Xi" to describe our chapters. This is indeed the case where "hearth and home" captures the concepts of companionship and support that have always distinguished the Society. He expressed the hope that, when they leave this meeting for their own hearth and home, delegates will carry the sense of excitement and accomplishment that they have witnessed during this meeting. There were no questions concerning the Report of the Executive Director.

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

  23. The President announced that the following individuals had been appointed to the Committee on Resolutions for the 2005 Assembly of Delegates:

    Elizabeth van Volkenburgh, University of Washington Chapter, Chair
    D. Bruce Conn Berry College Chapter
    George H. Watson, Jr. University of Delaware Chapter

  24. Dr. Margulis then announced the appointments of the following individuals to constitute the Credentials Committee for the November 2005 Assembly of Delegates:

    Beth Mitchell, Syracuse Chapter, Chair
    Linda Schoen, Ohio State University Chapter Ron Coleman, California State University at Sacramento Chapter

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

    MID-ATLANTIC REGION
    Katherine Schaefer, Lynchburg Chapter
    Roger Alig, Princeton Chapter

    NORTH CENTRAL REGION
    Jean Dasch, General Motors R&D Center Chapter
    Andy Mehl, Knox College Chapter

    NORTHEAST REGION
    Steve Rice, Union College Chapter
    Iris Cook, Fordham University Chapter

    NORTHWEST REGION
    Tom Sluss, Fort Lewis College Chapter
    Gwen Stahnke, Tahoma Chapter

    SOUTHEAST REGION
    Ken Macklin, Auburn University Chapter
    Nancy Rice, Western Kentucky University Chapter

    SOUTHWEST REGION
    Wendy Gordon, University of Texas at Austin Chapter
    George Dunne, California State University - Northridge Chapter

    Reports and Recommendations from the Board of Directors

  26. 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 and the Regional Assemblies of Delegates and the motion would be voted upon during the second or third Assembly, depending on the time required for discussion, The President then invited the Society's Treasurer, Dr. Richard Meyer, to introduce the nine-point motion on annual dues and fees for the year ending 30 June 2007 (FY2007) on behalf of the Board of Directors.

  27. Annual Dues for 2006-2007 (FY 2007). In opening his brief remarks, the Treasurer, on behalf of Sigma Xi's Board of Directors, placed the nine-point motion before the Assembly for its consideration. Dr. Meyer then reminded delegates that the Board's recommendation for annual dues for the year ending 30 June 2007 is contained on page 34 of the annual meeting program. On page 33 of the program is an explanation of the motion and also an explanation of the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) that is used by Sigma Xi to adjust some dues and fees annually. He advised delegates that the format and wording of the motion is consistent with previous motions concerning annual dues approved by previous Assemblies, except for the item on student dues that has been separated from point #1 of the motion and labeled as "point #2" of the motion. In addition, in this motion, there is a request for increased support for the Society's Grants-in-Aid of Research Program from $2 to $4. Also, the formula used to calculate the proposed increases in annual dues was the formula previously approved by the Assembly. Dr. Meyer indicated that he and Dr. Sculley would visit the Regional Assemblies of Delegates to answer any questions in regard to the motion. There were no questions for clarification in regard to the nine-point motion on annual dues.

  28. Dr. Margulis then adjourned the Assembly until the second session on Friday afternoon at 5:45 p.m.

    SESSION II

    Procedural Remarks by the President-elect

  29. The President-elect, Dr. James Baur, called the second session of the Assembly of Delegates to order and introduced himself. Dr. Baur advised the Assembly that the Society's President, Dr. Margulis, had to return to the East Coast in order to leave for Scotland for an event which she could not postpone. Therefore, as President-elect, he will Chair the final two sessions of the Assembly on her behalf. He then advised the Assembly that, during this session, we will discuss the proposed nine-point motion from the Board of Directors. Voting on this item may take place in this session, or be postponed until the final session on Sunday morning, depending on the amount of time required to discuss the motion.

    Reports and Recommendations from the Board of Directors (Resumed)

  30. Annual Dues for 2006-2007 (FY2007). The President-elect reminded delegates that the nine-point motion is on page 34 of the meeting program and was placed before the Assembly for their consideration in the first Assembly of Delegates. The motion contains nine items or points that set all the dues and fees for Sigma Xi in the fiscal year that begins 1 July 2006 and can be voted upon in a single vote, rather than voting for each item in the motion. The proposed nine-point motion includes annual dues for regular and life members, and the amount returned to chapters as Local Support all of which are increased by the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) for the year ending 30 June 2005. In addition, the motion includes an increased allocation to support the Grants-in-Aid Program from $2 to $4 for members paying at the full dues rate. Also, the proposed motion includes a proposed increase in the initial and promotion fees from $10 to $25. Dr. Baur then opened the floor for discussion on the motion.

  31. In response, the delegate from the State University College at Oswego made a motion that point #1 of the nine-point motion be amended by striking $65 and inserting $66 and point #4 be amended by striking $25 and inserting $10. The motion was seconded. By way of explanation, the delegate advised the Assembly that increasing the initial fee to $25 would hurt the ability of chapters to recruit undergraduate students for membership because these students would have to pay $50 instead of the current $35. However, if regular annual dues were increased from $65 to $66 in the original motion, the $1 increase from about 60,000 members would offset the reduction of the initial fee from $25 to $10. Dr. Sculley then provided a point of information for the Assembly that the number of members paying regular annual dues at the full rate was not 60,000 members but about 30,000; the rest pay dues at a reduced rate. The Director of the Area Groups, Industries, State & Federal Laboratories Constituency Group then spoke against the amendment because, in his view, Sigma Xi needs the additional funding to support the costs of initiating new members, which is about $20 per member at this time. Increasing the fee to $25 would be a logical step for the Society to cover its costs for initiates.

  32. The delegate from the Purdue University Chapter then spoke in favor of the amendment and indicated that he would like to propose a slight adjustment to the amendment, if the originator of the amendment would accept his suggestion. He indicated that he was concerned about the costs to initiates, yet some adjustment needs to be made to the initial fee for the Society to cover its costs. He suggested that the initial fee be increased from $10 to $20, which would cover partially the costs of processing initiates and the additional $1 increase in regular dues would cover the remaining initiate costs. The President-elect then advised the delegate that an additional $1 increase in regular dues would not cover the remaining costs as only 30,000 members pay at the full rate, not 60,000 members. The $1 increase would yield only $30,000 which does not cover the costs of the initiates, which are about $40,000. The delegate from the Purdue University Chapter then proposed a second amendment to the nine-point motion where the initial fee in point #4 of the original motion be changed from $10 to $15 and regular annual dues by changed from $65 to $67 in point #1 of the original motion. This, he explained, would enable the current membership of Sigma Xi to help support the costs of the life blood of the organization, the students. The motion was seconded.

  33. The Assembly then engaged in a somewhat lengthy discussion over the proposed second amendment that would set the initial fee at $15 and regular annual dues at $67 with delegates speaking in favor, and opposed, to the amendment. Those speaking in favor of the second amendment expressed the view that the amendment would cover the costs of initiates, would not be a burden on students, and the increase for regular members from $60 to $67 would not directly affect the current decline in the Society's membership. Those speaking in favor of the second amendment included delegates from the Williams College Chapter, the Hunter College Chapter, the Emporia State University Chapter, the Dartmouth College Chapter, and the Directors of the Northeast and Southeast Regions. Those speaking against the proposed second amendment expressed the view that an increase in the initial fee to $25 would not be a burden on students, would enable the Society to cover the costs for initiates currently and at least in the immediate future without raising the fee again, and the possible effect of higher dues for regular members accelerating the membership decline by effecting the retention of members. Those speaking against the proposed second amendment were delegates from the Membership-at-Large, the University of Central Oklahoma Chapter, the Tampa Bay Chapter, and the Director of the Area Groups, Industries, State & Federal Laboratories Constituency Group.

  34. During the discussion on the proposed second amendment, the delegate from the University of Texas at Austin Chapter asked if dues for regular members were raised from $60 to $67 whether Sigma Xi would run the risk of greater attrition of members because of the increased dues. In response, the Executive Director indicated that any time the Society adjusts its dues it does run a risk that some members will cease paying dues but there is no clear indication that indeed would be the case. Sigma Xi has no clear indication that, during the current membership slide, it has been the cost of annual dues that caused the attrition. However, delegates do have the responsibility to return to their chapters and inform their memberships as to why the Society increased its annual dues and, if we all make that case efficiently, Sigma Xi will not experience a further decline in membership. The delegate from the Hunter College Chapter added that the results of the recent membership survey indicated that the cost of annual dues was not a reason for members becoming inactive in Sigma Xi, as explained in a workshop earlier that day.

  35. Near the end of the discussion, a delegate attempted to amend the second proposed amendment but was advised by the President-elect that there could be only one amendment to a previously-proposed amendment. At the invitation of the President-elect, however, the delegate expressed his view that, if the loss due to initiates is about $40,000 and if Sigma Xi increases the fee by about one-third, that would leave two-thirds of the cost, or about $28,000 that would need to be covered. That and a $1 increase in regular dues for 30,000 members from $65 to $66 would cover the costs of initiates. The Director of the Southeast Region added that Sigma Xi initiates about 5,000 new members each year and, if the initial fee is raised by $5 to $15 that would generate about $25,000 to support the costs of initiates. If we then add an additional $1 to the originally-proposed annual dues to make those dues $66, we would generate an additional $30,000 for a total of $55,000, which more than exceeds the $40,000 cost of initiates. The President-elect then cautioned the Assembly that attempting to do "quick math" on this issue is not as easy at it seems and several committees of the Society have invested a great deal of time in analyzing the math associated with altering dues and fees.

  36. Following suggestions from the delegates from the SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn and Purdue University Chapters that additional information might be needed by the Assembly in order to decide this issue, there were no more comments in regard to the proposed second amendment to the nine-point motion. Dr. Baur then advised the Assembly that the motion they were about to vote on was to increase annual dues for regular members in point #1 of the original motion from $65 to $67 and to amend point #4 of the original motion for the initial fee to be changed from $25 to $15. With delegates standing in favor or opposed to the proposed second amendment, the Assembly approved the second amendment to the original nine-point motion on annual dues. Again, with delegates standing in favor or opposed to the amended nine-point motion on annual dues, the Assembly approved the amended nine-point motion on annual dues.

  37. The President-elect then thanked delegates for their input on the annual dues and fees and adjourned the Assembly until Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. SESSION III

    Election of Officers.

  38. The President-elect announced that the following individual had been elected by the Assembly of Delegates to serve as President-elect of the Society from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007:

    James W. Porter, University of Georgia Chapter

  39. Also, the President-elect announced that the following individual had been elected to serve as Treasurer of the Society to serve four years from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2010:

    Richard L. Meyer, Columbia Willamette Chapter Election of Directors of Constituency Groups

  40. Dr. Baur 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 2006:

    BACCALAUREATE COLLEGES CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    David C. Lever, Ohio Wesleyan University Chapter

    CANADIAN/INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    Antonio Pita, Swiss Chapter

    Election of Associate Directors of Geographic Regions and Constituency Groups.

  41. 41. The President also announced that the following individuals had been elected by their respective geographic region or constituency group to serve as Associate Directors:

    RESEARCH & DOCTORAL UNIVERSITIES CONSTITUENCY GROUP (to serve three years from 1 July 2006)
    Robert Zand, University of Michigan Chapter

    NORTH CENTRAL GEOGRAPHIC REGION (to serve three years from 1 July 2006)
    Christian W. Kreipke, Wayne State University Chapter

    NORTHWEST GEOGRAPHIC REGION (to serve two years from 1 July 2006)
    Kelly O. Sullivan, Tri-Cities, Washington Chapter

    SOUTHEAST GEOGRAPHIC REGION (to serve two years from 1 July 2006)
    John Knesel, University of Louisiana at Monroe Chapter

    SOUTHWEST GEOGRAPHIC REGION (to serve three years from 1 July 2006)
    Richard E. Miller, Texas A&M University Chapter

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

  42. Finally, Dr. Baur 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 6 November 2005:

    COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    Bertis B. Little, Tarleton State University Chapter

    AREA GROUPS, INDUSTRIES, STATE & FEDERAL LABORATORIES CONSTITUENCY GROUP
    Kelly O. Sullivan, Tri-Cities, Washington Chapter

    MID-ATLANTIC GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    Andrew J. Velkey, II, Tidewater Chapter

    NORTHEAST GEOGRAPHIC REGION
    Pamela K. Kerrigan, Manhattan College Chapter

    Report of the Committee on Resolutions.

  43. Dr. Elizabeth van Volkenburgh, Chair of the Committee on Resolutions, moved the adoption of the following commemorative resolutions on behalf of the Committee:

    BE IT RESOLVED that the 106th Annual Assembly of Delegates of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society commends Dr. Lynn Margulis 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 106th 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 Missouri at Columbia Chapter
    University of Colorado Chapter

    75 Years
    Pennsylvania State University Chapter University of Oklahoma Chapter Washington State University Chapter University of Wyoming Chapter University of Rochester Chapter

    50 Years
    Florida State University Chapter Louisville Chapter Hughes Laboratories Chapter University of North Texas Chapter The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Chapter California Polytechnic State University Chapter Atlanta University Center Chapter

    25 Years
    University of Calgary Chapter Quinnipiac Chapter

    Report of the Credentials Committee

  44. The Chair of the Credentials Committee, Dr. Beth Mitchell, reported that 165 chapters were represented by 178 delegates and additional delegates at the November 2005 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 2005 Annual Meeting. Therefore, there were a total of 167 chapters represented at the November 2005 Annual Meeting and 183 delegates and additional delegates in attendance at the meeting. The Report of the Credentials Committee was then accepted by acclamation by the Assembly.

    Remarks by the President-elect

  45. Dr. Baur opened his remarks with the view that it was a privilege as President-elect to have this opportunity to make a few remarks to the Assembly of Delegates. He indicated that he would focus his remarks on the delegates to the Assembly because, in his view, that is the most important thing he could discuss above anything else. Dr. Baur reminded the Assembly that this was the 106th Assembly of Delegates and that Sigma Xi goes back a long way and the Society will meet again next year in Detroit. He then advised the delegates that they, as delegates to the Assembly, are the leaders to whom the Society is looking to at this point in time of the Society's history. The President-elect reminded delegates that, during this meeting, they shared chapter experiences and shared other information and, because of this, they were the leaders in exposing Sigma Xi to the ideas within the chapters. Tomorrow they will return to their chapters and they will pass their leadership, their ideas, and the things they learned about Sigma Xi, back to their chapters. In his view, Sigma Xi has no one else to do that but delegates to the Annual Meeting. Therefore, Sigma Xi is looking to them and their leadership because it is extremely vital for the health and progress of the Society.

  46. Continuing, Dr. Baur explained that there were multi-levels of leadership within Sigma Xi:
    The chapter level; the regions and constituency groups; the Board of Directors; and the Executive Director and staff. All of these levels are important in the Society but, in his view, perhaps the most important level is the chapter level because it is at this level where the programs and membership are really executed in Sigma Xi and chapter leadership is vital to this effort. In the regions and constituencies, these groups elect Directors who are the real interactive group with the chapters, not only at the Annual Meeting but the Directors and chapters should be interacting throughout the entire year. Thus, Sigma Xi counts on the Directors for this important interaction with chapters. The Board of Directors provides a vision for the overall activities and progress of the Society. Sigma Xi's Board is a very diverse group with a wealth of experience and it strives all of the time to keep this organization moving forward and representing the chapters and members. Finally, the Executive Director and staff perform an incomparable job and Sigma Xi is fortunate to have the most effective Executive Director that it could ever hope to find. Also, the staff works diligently and is dedicated o the progress of chapters and members, and he urged delegates to contact the Sigma Xi administrative staff for any assistance they may require at any time.

  47. Dr. Baur then indicated that he has been involved in Sigma Xi for some time as a Board or committee member and he has seen what he thought could be done and he does have initiatives in Sigma Xi that, in his three-year term, he would like to accomplish. He also has an agenda to accomplish during his term as an Officer of the Society. The President-elect then indicated that he would not go through his list of objectives at this time but invited delegates to contact him and request his list for their review and comment. That is, he is looking for people to adopt his agenda ideas and to help him in pursuing them. Dr. Baur, however, did mention that one agenda item that he holds very dear is to hold a Sigma Xi Annual Meeting in Budapest, Hungary but realizes that such a meeting may be very expensive for the Society. However, he is still exploring this idea with staff, the Hungarian Academy of Science, the Hungarian Chapter, and others to find ways to cover the expenses of such a meeting.

  48. The President-elect also indicated that he had many other ideas and that he would be willing to visit chapters to discuss these initiatives and ideas. He added that, when he visits chapters, he listens to the members and is able to impart information to them that he has learned from other chapters. In doing this, he has learned that there are leadership issues that can be identified and confronted in Sigma Xi, as the Society progresses in the future. Dr. Baur then cited another item on his agenda that was targeted for chapters: Establish the President's Council of Advisors. He indicated that, this, in fact, may be the most important item on his agenda because the Council is a small group of members, maybe 8-14, that gives advice and provides a continuity of ideas to the chapter. The Council would include officers and anyone who wished to serve and provide their advice to the chapter, provided the members of the Council are promised that they will not be called upon for other service within the chapter. For chapters, this idea could be a pool for potential officers for the future and might prevent "officer burnout" within chapters. Also, the Council might meet 5-6 times per year and the chapter might consider the vast pool of emeritus members in the chapter who might serve in this capacity.

  49. Dr. Baur closed his remarks by indicating that, if he could do one thing to help the leadership within the chapters, it would be for them to establish this President's Council of Advisors within their chapter. He then encouraged delegates to return to their homes, be good leaders for Sigma Xi, and to establish the President's Council of Advisors for their chapters. Adjournment

  50. The President-elect then thanked delegates for their attendance and participation in the meeting and declared the 106th Assembly of Delegates adjourned.

 

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