Two departments within P&G joined forces in support of the ACS Scholars Program to emphasize the importance of diversity as a strategy towards a stronger workplace.
Research and Development section head, Diane Schmidt, Ph.D., spearheaded P&G's commitment to the program, along with Ronald Webb, Ph.D., manager of P&G's Doctoral Recruiting and University Relations.
Schmidt, who was elected to the ACS board of directors in 2000, sees "the goal of the Society's Scholars Program as totally aligned with P&G's goal to create the best and most diverse workforce possible." Webb views the contribution "as an investment for the long-term diversity of future Ph.D. candidates."
"If we fail to attract more women and minorities, chemistry could face severe personnel shortages like those we've already seen in many computer-related fields," says ACS president Eli Pearce. During his term as president, Pearce has continually raised awareness about the potential employment challenges that could impact the chemical sciences, and encouraged industry to see diversity as an important means of advancing chemistry.
The Society launched the Scholars Program in 1995 with a $5 million grant. The program supports academically accomplished African American, Hispanic and Native American students in their pursuit of undergraduate studies in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, environmental science and related disciplines in two- and four-year college and university programs.
Since the inception of the ACS Scholars Program, over 1,200 students have been awarded scholarships based on a mix of academic achievement and financial need. ACS Scholars have represented 390 colleges and universities in 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C.
P&G's contribution will fund ten students with $2,500 scholarships for four years. The list of recipients is attached.
Companies and students can get more information about the ACS Scholars Program at scholars or telephone 1-800-227-5558, extension 6250.
Applications are being accepted October 2002 through March 2003.
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Andria G. Davis, from Bryon, Georgia, freshman chemical engineering major attending Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
Christina Ann Fields, from Wilmington, North Carolina, sophomore chemistry major attending Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Victor M. Gonzalez, from Laredo, Texas, sophomore biochemistry major attending Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Olivia E. Johnson, from Detroit, Michigan, freshman chemistry major attending Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Marcee D. Martinez, from Kearny, New Jersey, sophomore chemistry major attending Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Mary A. Nyc, from Playa del Rey, California, freshman chemistry and biochemistry major attending Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Omotoye A. Omotoso from Akron, Ohio, senior chemical engineering major attending University of Akron
Art D. Sutton, from Elyria, Ohio, sophomore biochemistry major attending University of Cincinnati
Qiana Juanice Swilley, from Justice, Illinois, sophomore chemistry major attending University of Illinois at Chicago
Linda Velazquez, from Union City, New Jersey, freshman biochemistry major attending Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey