Abstract:   Since the end of WW II, there has been an ever-increasing understanding of the role of chemistry in American life. This has led to greater involvement of ACS as a society as well as individual ACS members with the American body politic. Increased awareness of the importance of chemistry to many public and private problems has led to changes in emphasis in the organization of the ACS and in the attitudes of the public. The areas of particular interest and their impact on laws and regulation as well as on the ACS divisions and local sections will be explored.  

Awardee:   Tom Kucera certainly does not need any kind of introduction to most of us, given the fact that he has been involved in the affairs and business of the section and the society for more than fifty years. But as this year's Public Affairs Awardee he deserves an appropriate introduction such as we traditionally give for those who have received this award since it was first given more than twenty years ago. When I began my activities with the section, Tom was already a veteran, having already served on many committees as well as editor of the Chemical Bulletin.

In 1986, the Chicago Section was one of a half-dozen sections that were invited to participate in and serve as a pilot for a new program called "Chemistry Day." Working with the late Lou Sacco, who served as the initial chair, Tom was a major force in organizing the first Chemistry Day Activity at the Museum of Science and Industry. After the successful pilot program, the program eventually became "Chemistry Week," with involvement by nearly all Sections of the American Chemical Society.

When Lou passed away several years later, Tom became Chair of the Section's Chemistry Day/Week Committee, and has led the effort since. It this continuous and diligent effort in bringing chemical science to the public through National Chemistry Week that the Section is recognizing in conferring this award.

Of course, there are so many other important activities that Tom has carried out for the section. Tom is above all else, extremely, modest, does not want tot be lauded for all the good work he does for the section, the society, and the community, but when we honor him we are, in a very real sense, doing it for ourselves. We need to do this to show that we are not unappreciative when one is so generous and gives so much of himself. So, Tom, thanks very much, for being such an inspiration to all of us; for so long. With permission of our editor, I am going to list as an appendix to this column a detailed list of activities that Tom has served for the section and the society below.

Tom received his B.S. from Loyola in 1945, M.S. from I.I.T in 1952 and Ph.D. from Purdue in 1953. He was a Fulbright Scholar in 1953-54. He retired from Apeco Co. in 1981 as VP for research and development, and established T.J. Kucera Consultants. He has served both the Section and the Society diligently in many capacities. He has been especially active with the Division of Professional Relations, serving as program chair.  He has received both the Henry Hill and Lou Sacco Award from DPR, as well as the Chicago Section's Distinguished Service Award. He is active in the Chicago Chemists Club, serving as treasurer for many years. Of course, you can't think of Tom without also thinking of his lovely wife, Dorothy, who has for many years accompanied him to section meetings, board meetings, and many national meetings.