Report of the President
for the Year ending June 30, 2006

It is my pleasure to share some thoughts with you about my Presidency of Sigma Xi. I was honored to lead the Society through 2005-2006, a year of remarkable achievement. The report of Executive Director Patrick Sculley abounds in evidence for the heightened prominence of Sigma Xi's activities. Do read and be proud of the impact our volunteers and staff make on the health of the research enterprise.

I commend your attention to the contributions of Sigma Xi to advance discourse on science, science education and to the broadcast of the results of scientific research in our magnificent magazine American Scientist. If there was any significance to what I did for this smooth-running organization it was in my six "From the President" editorials. Where but to the Sigma Xi membership might I expound on hugely important broad issues: the names of life and toppling phylogenetic trees in today's computer era? Where else but in our magazine might I bring attention to scientists from all persuasions on evolution in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands and on science as the rebel educator? Tempered by the extraordinary skill and remarkable good sense of Editor Rosalind Reid the privilege to work with her on the content of these essays enlightened me.

In February, the Society participated as a sponsor with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and hosted a session on evolution education for St. Louis area school teachers at the AAAS Annual meeting. Indeed, many of our chapters provided support for science education at the local level. Sigma Xi will continue to lead others as we foster the public's understanding of science and scientific research. The Society has become a leader in the Science Café movement for which it has received national media attention. We continue this important activity. I encourage the Chapters to work with staff to develop a Café in your own area. Strong program activities at the Chapter level create the dynamic atmosphere which engages members and leads to improved retention.

I am delighted to report that development activities within the past year affirm the success of our programmatic focus. Over $555,000 was donated to the Society in fiscal year 2006. The generous gifts help the Society expand its positive impact. I thank all who have contributed and urge those who have not yet to reconsider now. A very special gift from our long time member, Walston Chubb, allowed us to establish a new award: The Walston Chubb Award for Innovation; it will be presented for the first time at the November 2006 Annual Meeting. The Chubb award joins our other prestigious prizes and awards that honor research achievement. During the past year real progress has been made on the challenge to reverse the decline in membership. New chapters have been installed and others have been approved for installation. Initiations are on the rise. We opened two chapters in Mexico and began to form a chapter in Ecuador. We faced the facts: retention of younger members will require stronger chapter programs, ones that can be embraced by all our members, young and not so young. The many programs listed in Pat Sculley's report are designed with a local focus to foster activity at the chapter level. These can supplement existing activities in the creation and sustenance of vibrant chapters that stimulate initiation and retention.

The Board, in another significant step, approved and the staff implemented a strong new program that will broaden support for the Society and research science by creation of "non-member affiliate" categories. Although not eligible for membership, these affiliates share our respect for science and appreciate the central role of science in informing the public debate on issues that face society. The affiliates will add even greater strength to our voice on behalf of science.

Financially the Society enjoyed an excellent year, concluding it within the budget. The improved development efforts mentioned above were a welcome addition, and a new debt instrument for the Sigma Xi Center building provides for long term stability. Strong fiscal management processes effected under the aegis of Treasurer Rick Meyer, and sound stewardship by staff, allowed for the effective and efficient execution of the Society's budget in creating value for the membership.

I close my report with hearty thanks to the elected and volunteer leaders of the Society whose dedicated efforts reflect our motto "companions in zealous research." I also wish to thank the chapters and members who support and mentor the next generation of distinguished researchers. And lastly, I thank the Sigma Xi staff in North Carolina and all those who help our 521 far-flung chapters to support us with superb service; they "zealously aid" our Society. Sigma Xi will continue to advance the research enterprise through the collective actions of its members, chapters, affiliates and staff. With humility and pride I declare my gratitude to Pat Sculley and Lana Barnwell and thank you all to have been granted this opportunity to lead and support our mission.

Lynn Margulis
President 2005-2006

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