Chemistry is a hit or miss for most people. For some it might be the hardest class they will ever take. However, for others it just simply clicks.
But it is clear that the world would not be the way it is without chemistry and all of the innovations that come along with it.
There are new innovations made every day in the field of chemistry, and not enough people appreciate it for the strides it makes in science each and every day in our world today.
But there is a group of people on campus who most certainly appreciates chemistry in all that it is: the Chemistry Club here at Gustavus.
It is headed by Co-Presidents, Brendan Hermerding, ‘19, and Ari Campanaro, ‘19, Co-Presidents this academic year.
Other members of the executive board include: Vice Presidents Laura Lenczycki ‘19 and Sarah Claessens ‘19, Treasurer Devin Makey ‘20, Secretary Emma Santa ‘19, and outreach coordinator Grace Henry ‘18.
The week of October 22 to October October 28 was National Chemistry Week and the Chemistry Club was in full swing after fall break starting on October 24 with a nationwide webinar on chemistry in Nobel Hall.
It continued with chalking of campus sidewalks and painting of “the rock” outside of Old Main, spray painting it with bold letters declaring “National Chemistry Week.”
And they ended with festive events that included creating periodic table cookies in the International Center and a FIKA on Friday.
“The entire Chemistry Club board worked really hard brainstorming the events we wanted to host for this year’s National Chemistry week. There are many events that we [put on] every year, like frosting periodic table cookies and chalking around campus. We are also trying some new things like painting to rock. Our two Co-Presidents, Brendan [Hermerding] and Ari [Campanaro], put in a lot of time and energy making these events great!” said Grace Henry ‘18, the Outreach Coordinator for the Chemistry Club.
The entire executive board was very involved and efficient when it came to putting on this year’s National Chemistry Week at Gustavus, which made it a successful outreach week or the Chemistry Club.
The events offered during National Chemistry Week by the Chemistry Club had something for everyone, from food to painting the rock, and there continues to be new events provided by the club.
And these are not only for people on campus, but for those in the surrounding communities as well.
“Science on Saturday is by far our most exciting and involved event. We invite local elementary school students from the surrounding areas and, by partnering with the other science orgs, have a day filled with science demonstrations (as well as liquid nitrogen ice cream!)” said Hermerding said.
Moreover, last year the club had more than 100 elementary schoolers attend, said Henry.
It is a very involved event that allows students involved in the Chemistry Club to interact with younger children and teach them about something they themselves are passionate about.
“During J-Term, the Chemistry Club does chemistry demonstrations for students at the local preschool,” Henry said.
The executive board has many goals for the Chemistry Club for the rest of the school year.
“The entire Chemistry Club board worked really hard brainstorming events we wanted to host for this year’s National Chemistry Week.” — Grace Henry
They hope to host more social events on campus and get more students involved in their club, whether or not they are chemistry majors or not.
Anyone who is even remotely interested in chemistry is encouraged to join.
Furthermore, “my goal is for Chemistry Club to become a group dedicated to spreading our love of chemistry. “
Whether that’s through educational events or throwing fun chemistry-themed parties, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the chemical aspect of science” said Hermerding.
The chemistry club meets every Wednesday at 6:30pm in Nobel Hall if one wants to get involved.
Moreover, the club is more than willing to add anyone to their email alias, simply email chemclub-officers@gustavus.edu, who is interested in learning more about the club, or check out the club’s Facebook page they use to advertise upcoming events.
Look out for an event in April where the Chemistry Club partners with other science student organizations on campus to put on an exciting, and large, outreach event.