November 27, 2017

Sigma Xi’s Committee on Qualifications and Membership selected the following chapters for awards based on fiscal year 2018 chapter annual reports and evaluations from regional and constituency directors. 

“Chapters are critical to Sigma Xi because they carry out the Society’s mission in their local communities by honoring excellence in research, supporting scientists and engineers, and connecting the public with research,” said Emma Perry, chair of the Committee on Qualifications and Membership. “The Society is grateful for the work of all of our volunteer chapter officers, and I’m pleased to recognize these outstanding chapter award winners. The committee was impressed by their exemplary programming that encouraged member involvement throughout the year.”

Chapter of Excellence

Chapter of Excellence awards are given to chapters that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and quality in their overall annual programming. 
First place: National Institute of Standards and Technology
Second place: Columbia–Willamette
Third place: Rice University–Texas Medical Center and Oakland University (tie)

Chapter Program of Excellence

Chapter Program of Excellence awards are given to chapters that have conducted a singularly exceptional program during 2017. 
First place: University of Nebraska at Kearney for the Great American Solar Eclipse Panel Discussion
Second place: North Shore for the marine/oceanography cruise and sampling workshop on Sea Shuttle’s Endeavour
Third place: Ohio State University for the Meet a Scientist program

Most Initiations

The committee recognized the following chapters for initiating the most new members in 2017 (in descending order): Brown University, Fordham University, Princeton, Union College, Carleton College, Washington University, Swarthmore College, Oberlin College, Southern Maine, Delta, Denison University, Smith College, Williams College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Amherst College.