Minutes of July 13, 2005

The Talbot Hotel in Chicago was the location for the Society’s Annual Meeting, which was held in conjunction with the Inter/Micro 2005 Conference Banquet.

The evening began with a 6:00pm mixer, followed by an elegant and delicious dinner. The Society owes many thanks to the staff of the McCrone Research Institute for their efforts in making this evening such a success for the Society.

Following dinner, Dr. Gary Laughlin, Director of the McCrone Research Institute, addressed the meeting. His comments served to remind those present of some of the history of the Inter/Micro Meetings, and Dr. Walter McCrone’s desires to make such a forum available.

Gary turned the meeting over to SMSI President, Bill Mikuska. Bill proceeded to introduce the 2005 Annual Award Recipient, Dr. Osamu Shimomura, and presented him with the Emile Chamot Medal.

Dr. Shimomura graciously accepted the award, and presented a fascinating account of the circumstances which led him to the discovery of the proteins, aequorin and GFP (green fluorescent protein), both derived from the luminous jellyfish Aequorea. The route discussed by Dr. Shimomura began in Japan at the end of World War II. It led on to the Nagasaki Pharmacy College, and the prestgious Nagoya University, where he studied Cypridina luciferin. Aequorea became the topic of his study at Princeton University, which commenced in 1960, in the laboratory of Dr. Frank Johnson.

Fluorescence microscopy depends upon these two proteins, making Dr. Shimomura a deserving recipient of the Emile Chamot Award.

Bill announced that there would be a short break before the start of the auction, but called upon Ed Lebryk for one last bit of business – to announce the slate of SMSI Officer Candidates. The slate as read by Ed was:
     President – Bill Mikuksa
     Vice President – Stan Schmidt
     Treasurer / Membership Secretary – Art Struss
     Recording Secretary – Robert Kuksuk
     Historians – Ed Lebryk and Diane Martin
     Curator – Robert Kuksuk

The slate as read was seconded and accepted by the members in attendance.

During the short break, which Bill announced, the items up for auction were available for examination. The items included, microscopes, microscope cameras and parts, books, and even a gift certificate toward a generous discount on any McCrone Research Institute Course. The primary use of the proceeds from this auction are to fund the SMSI’s Young People’s Courses, which, as Bill mentioned this evening have recently been regularly taking place, and quite successful.

Brian J. Ford served as auctioneer, as he has for a number of years. Always energetic and entertaining – he once again has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The SMSI recognizes his efforts, as well as those of Kevin Brady and Yours Truly for their help during the auction.

Many thanks to those who made the auction a success, including the bidders, as well as those who donated items. A list of donors follows:
     McCrone Research Institute
     McCrone Accessories and Components
     Cargille Laboratories
     John Noble
     Vesuvius USA
     Eric Chatfield
     Andy Bowen
     Thom Hopen
     Bill Mikuska
     Bob Kuksuk

The evening concluded at about ten minutes past the target time of 11:00pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Kuksuk
Recording Secretary