Waynesburg University’s American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Chapter has once again earned national distinction, receiving the ACS Outstanding Student Chapter Award for the 2024–2025 academic year. This marks the 18th Outstanding Award granted to the chapter in the past 20 years, a record of excellence that places Waynesburg among the most consistently recognized small-university chemistry programs in the nation.
Presented annually by the American Chemical Society, the award honors student chapters that demonstrate exceptional commitment to professional development, community outreach and engagement with the broader chemical sciences community.
Under the leadership of faculty advisor Dr. Evonne Baldauff, the 32-member chapter organized a full calendar of chemistry-themed service, educational and professional events that reached audiences ranging from local elementary students to national conference attendees.
Highlights of the year included:
- The “Haunted Lab,” a long-running community favorite where students perform hands-on, Halloween-themed chemistry demonstrations for local families
- “Periodic Table Day” and “The Chemistry of Chocolate,” creative campus events blending fun and chemistry education
- Multiple homeschool lab sessions, giving area students experience with real laboratory techniques
- Participation in regional and national ACS conferences, including the ACS Spring Meeting in San Diego, CERM 2024 in Pittsburgh and PITTCON in Boston, where students presented research, networked with professionals and competed in the ACS “Shark Tank” innovation challenge
- Continued collaboration with local organizations through National Chemistry Week at the Kamin Science Center and Relay for Life on campus
The ACS national review panel praised Waynesburg's chapter for its “creativity and team efforts,” highlighting its “excellent and robust set of activities” and “admirable initiatives in team building and outreach.”
“Our students continually find new ways to share their love of chemistry,” said Dr. Baldauff, who also serves as the chairperson for the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science and a professor of chemistry. “This recognition reflects not only their scientific engagement but also their dedication to mentoring younger students and serving the community.”
The American Chemical Society is the world’s largest scientific society, and its student chapters foster leadership, networking and hands-on scientific engagement. The chapter's continued success underscores the University’s commitment to providing rigorous, hands-on undergraduate education in chemistry and forensic science, and to preparing students for graduate school, industry and professional careers in the sciences.
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Learn more about Waynesburg University's Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science and the programs available to students at the link below.
