AIChE Virtual Gala’s Featured Program is Open to All, Dec. 10
Fundraiser will Unveil Future STEM Scholars Initiative
AIChE will spotlight the essential work of chemical engineers — while raising funds to ensure a strong and diverse future pipeline of STEM (science, engineering, technology, math) professionals to address the world’s foremost challenges — during its 2020 Virtual Doing a World of Good Gala, to be streamed online on December 10.
The annual fundraiser is being presented online for the first time, with a program featuring virtual networking opportunities, testimonials from eminent engineers, award presentations, and an after party. Traditionally a ticketed event for individual and corporate donors, the featured program for this year’s gala will be streamed to AIChE members and the broader chemical engineering community without charge.
The gala program will culminate with the announcement of a new Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) — a major, multidisciplinary program that aims to address the disparity of Black and minority students pursuing STEM education and careers in the STEM professions. The FOSSI project will offer substantial scholarships for students entering STEM degree programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and connect those students with internships, leadership development programs, and mentoring opportunities at partnering companies. The program also aims to drive industry to attract and retain a fully diverse workforce to address the world’s diverse problems.
Among the organizations to be honored at the gala for their good works, DuPont will be recognized for its commitment to making a positive impact on the world through the development of innovative sustainable products. Thermo Fisher Scientific is being honored for its leadership in bringing government and industry groups together to accelerate access to COVID-19 testing and vaccine development, and for its mission to enable its customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
Edward D. Breen, DuPont’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will accept the award on DuPont’s behalf. Thermo Fisher Scientific will be represented at the gala by Marc N. Casper, the company’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
Also at the gala, the AIChE Foundation will present its Doing a World of Good Medal to S. Shariq Yosufzai, retired Vice President of Global Diversity at Chevron. A former chair of the AIChE Foundation, Yosufzai will be recognized for his leadership in creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse workforce.
S. Shariq Yosufzai, 2020 Doing a World of Good Medalist
In announcing the 2020 AIChE virtual gala and its honorees, AIChE Executive Director and CEO June Wispelwey said “AIChE is pleased to celebrate the work of these outstanding organizations and their leaders who are making profound contributions to solving global challenges in healthcare and the environment, as well as promoting more diverse and inclusive workplaces. The achievements of our honorees exemplify AIChE’s vision of the chemical engineering profession as ‘Doing a World of Good,’ and are outstanding examples of the best within our profession.” Wispelwey also noted that the virtual format of this year’s gala will allow a new and broader audience of chemical engineers and business leaders to participate in the gala and share in supporting the profession.
The gala is organized by the AIChE Foundation and raises funds to underwrite AIChE’s Doing a World of Good campaign, which supports programs that bring chemical engineering expertise to bear for the good of society. In particular, funds raised at this year’s gala will support underrepresented communities — specifically focusing on expanding opportunities for minority students pursuing careers in the STEM professions.
The 2020 Gala dinner chairs are (as of October 15): Erin N. Kane, President and Chief Executive Officer, AdvanSix, Inc.; Daryl Roberts, Chief Operations and Engineering Officer, DuPont; John Y. Televantos, Senior Partner, Arsenal Capital Partners; and Michael Thien, Senior Vice President, Merck & Co., Inc.
For more information about the AIChE Virtual Gala, visit www.aiche.org/gala.
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