Although I never met Muriel Rukeyser (1913-1980), the poet whom I am quoting in the title, I admire her spunk and activism.  In fact, I have quoted a similar line “The world is not made up of atoms; rather, it is made of stories” without knowing that she was the person whom I should credit.  Over the years, like Muriel, I have learned the transforming power of stories.  This power connects to the vision of the American Chemical Society:  to improve people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Consequently, in this awards address I will tell a series of stories about the teaching and learning of chemistry, all of which can improve people’s lives now and in the future.  These stories connect to our chemistry students and the ways we engage them – or fail to do so.  I have selected stories that have taught me, inspired me, challenged me, made me smile, and given me hope for the future.  I hope they will do the same for those who are able to join us in this symposium to address chemistry education’s important role in our common future.<br/>

<b>Award Address</b> (George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education sponsored by Cengage Learning and the ACS Division of Chemical Education). The universe is made up of stories, not of atoms

2019 Spring National Meeting

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Award Address (George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education sponsored by Cengage Learning and the ACS Division of Chemical Education). The universe is made up of stories, not of atoms