As I approach the end of my year as Chairperson for the Indianapolis Section, I say thank you to all the members, officers, and friends who made this year so exciting and memorable. As a section we continue to move forward, building upon the work of all those chemical engineers that have served our Section in the past. Now is the time for each and every one of us to pitch in and help as we build our professional society and our careers by becoming more active in AIChE.

The Annual Meeting with its elections has now passed, but there is room for a few more members to join with our new slate of officers and help our section to move into the future. Now is a great time for you to pledge yourself to become a volunteer leader in AIChE. Just drop a line to our Chairperson, Dan Harper, the Distillates editor, Kevin Keating, or any Officer.

Respectfully,
Kevin Keating, Past-Chairperson

On a beautiful evening in Indianapolis the May Meeting of the Indianapolis Section took place at the Easley Winery located on North College Avenue. We started with a champagne toast and hors d’oeuvre as our small group gathered. The tour of the winery began outdoors as we followed the same process path that grapes take from harvest to the bottle. Along the way we received an explanation of all the work, chemistry, and art that goes into wine making as we strolled through the winery. At the end of the tour we gathered to taste many of the different variety of wines that Easley produces and sells. No one tasted all 24 varieties of wine, but we were all able to taste many of our favorite or even new varieties. We are lucky to have a winery with a home base in Indianapolis that allows us to enjoy ourselves while helping us explore the world of wines.

At the end of the wine tasting we headed to the dinning room for a scrumptious beef dinner. As dinner was finishing the Annual Meeting began. Kevin Keating presented a recap of all the activities that took place during the past year. Next, John Elliott presented the annual treasurer’s report and was happy to report that our Section is still well in the black. Elections were next on the Agenda, and I asked all members to please welcome Dan Harper as the next chairperson of the Indianapolis Section. The other officers are listed here.

Congratulations to John Elliott, Secretary/Treasurer on his receiving the award for Engineer of the Year for 2004 - 2005! John earned this award for his work on re-establishing the Indianapolis Section status as an exempt organization as recognized by the State of Indiana.

Great work John!

Visit www.AIChE.org to find information, visit forums, renew membership or find benefits, career listings, and other advice from our national headquarters. Current items include:

There are interesting scientific or engineering presentations given every Monday at lunch time at Scientech except for major holidays. The Scientech meetings have a $9 buffet from 11:30 to noon, introductions, and then the presentation from 12:10 to 1:00 PM. Current planned topics are: June 13, International Trade, Maureen Pearson; June 20, Renal Dialysis, Dr. William Dick. There will be no meeting held during the summer, next meeting is scheduled for September 2005.

Meetings are at the Children's Museum, 3000 N. Illinois St, Indianapolis; use the north entrance under the Infozone sign. Reservations are not necessary, but call Dr. Alan Schmidt, 317 233-5190, to check on any changes or for further information. www.scientechclub.org