It's 1960 and I remember thinking, this chemistry stuff is really interesting. It’s fun, even exhilarating, but where is it going? As I recall, that didn’t much matter because it just felt like the right thing to do. And if Mr. Jack Bateman had anything to do with it, the fun would never end. And Mr. Bateman had everything to do with it. Because that dizzying, whirlwind excitement that began in 1960 continues today. Excitement stemmed from commitment of students and teacher, alike. Challenging, time-consuming, sometimes even exhausting, and all for the chance to stay in the lab till midnight working on that science fair project rooted in Chemistry. Would it be rewarding? Nobody knew. Dare we even predict? But, the answer was very much yes, and without Mr. Bateman as the inspiration, the guide, and the touchstone, it would not have been so. Stop by and give a listen as the story takes us from a small Indiana railroad town to Capitol Hill, stopping at Mushroom Spring along the way, and drinking life-saving sweet water. Know that you have the power and precious opportunities to change the world through those chemistry students you inspire and guide. They will soar, and you will too.

My high school chemistry teacher: Hero and the path to the golden egg

251st National Meeting (2016)

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