How the Student Affairs Program Benefits YOU!

How has the Student Affairs program at TMS been changing in recent years? Here are some of the many ways in which you, as student members, have benefited:

* The number of TMS student chapters has grown from 44 in 1985 to 81 in 1995. There are now chapters in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. We have recently entered into a joint agreement with the Metallurgical Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum in Canada and are exploring possibilities of similar arrangements with European societies.

* The student scholarship program, which was established only seven years ago with the Seven Springs scholarship, has grown and now provides six scholarships totalling more than $27,000 annually, including the $4,000 Presidential Scholarship and a series of $2,000 scholarships offered by four TMS technical divisions. The establishment of the TMS Foundation means the continued support and growth of this program.

* The Career Forum was started at Materials Week in 1987 and regularly attracts more than 200 attendees. Since 1994, it has also been included in the Annual Meeting program. The importance that TMS attaches to activities such as the forum is best indicated by the regular attendance of the presidents of both TMS and ASM International at the event.

* The Student Mixer continues to grow into one of the highlights of the Fall and Annual Meetings, with students, faculty, members, and board members enjoying a relaxing opportunity to meet and chat. This is one activity that is uniquely TMS; no other society does this as well as we do--ever seen a group of physicists trying to enjoy themselves?

TMS realizes that you, the student members, are the basis of the future of the society. In 10, 15, or 20 years, you will be stepping into positions just like mine, writing articles in Professional Preface, and making the decisions that will determine the future of TMS. You will also be using the professional services and personal interactions that only societies like TMS can offer to advance your career. So, if you are about to finish your college degree and embark on your career, take my advice--make sure that you stay a part of TMS through the associate member program and become a full member of the Society. Then get involved in TMS through its committees, especially the Young Leaders Program, which is intended for members in exactly your situation.

Your voice really does count; I look forward to working with you in the future.

William A.T. Clark
The Ohio State University