History of the Scholarship Program
In 1970, the Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary (ie; founded in 1920). Paul Kramer of Emery Industries was President. In a small way ($500.00) the Club began a rotating scholarship program to “a deserving” student in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering at one of the local “Big Six” schools – Penn, Temple, Villanova, Drexel, St. Josephs and LaSalle. The 1970 award went to Drexel – in 1971 to Villanova and thus the program began.
The driving force behind the expansion of The Chemical Club Scholarship program was Charles F. Goodale of E.I. Dupont de Nemours, Inc. Charles Goodale was the only two term President of The Chemical Club (1975 & 1976).
1975 was the first year we awarded $1,000 Scholarships. The commitee consisted of Ronald P. Fendrick, Walter N. Stevenson, James K. Coyne and Thomas E. Grow. In 1976, $2,000 was awarded by a committee consisting of Fendrick, Stevenson, David Odenath, and Robert J. O’Neill. Fendrick chaired The Scholarship Commitee for eleven years, through 1985.
Awards eventually rose to $12,000 per year ($2,000 per school per year). Through 2002, 93 scholarships for a total of $211,000 have been awarded to deserving students. Most of this was supported by 50/50 ticket sales to members and guests. Thanks to all of you and congratulations for a job well done!
Scholarship Committee Report – 2017
The Philadelphia Chemical Club Continued its long tradition of support for higher education in the Greater Philadelphia Area by offering scholarships for the 40th consecutive year.
The Chemical Club of Philadelphia requirements for the scholarship program are as follows:
• Recipient of the scholarship must be a sophomore, junior or senior in good standing at an accredited college or university.
• *Recipients parent must be an active member in the Chemical Club having attended a minimum of three club functions.
Scholarships totaling $9,000.00 are being awarded this year.
The recipients of the Chemical Club Scholarships for the 2017/2018 academic year are:
| Scholarship Recipient | University | Major | Class |
| Matthew Centurione | Rowan University | Music Technology | Sophomore |
| Colin Jacob Fisher | The Pennsylvania State University | Animal Science | Junior |
| Brenna Forster Richards | The Pennsylvania State University | Rehabilitative Health Services | Sophomore |
| Matthew Boorman | Lehigh University | Material Science Engineering | Sophomore |
| Brandon Schiesser | Temple University | Sports and Recreation Management | Junior |
| Austin M. Kelly | Temple University | Film | Senior |
The Chemical Club of Philadelphia is entering its second year as a proud sponsor of the American Chemical Society’s Science Coaches Program. Coaches are chemistry professionals who share their expertise and enthusiasm for science. Their goal is to enhance student’s science education in the Middle School and encourage an interest in the chemical industry. Our donation totaling $1,000.00 is designated for the Delaware Valley Region.
The Club’s total scholarship contribution of $9,000.00 for the 2017/2018 academic year increases the total amount of scholarship money awarded since the inception of the program in 1973 to $306,000.00. All club members should be proud to be part of an organization committed to supporting our students in such a meaningful way. Your participation in club events remains the reason this program can continue.
Members who participate in the golf outings, luncheons, Holiday Party and support 50/50 ticket sales make the scholarship program possible.
Many thanks to our Golf Co-Chairmen, Dave Ward and Joe Centurione, as well as Fran Centurione – Winter Meetings, Chinese Auction, ACS Coaches, AND Jerry Powell – Holiday Party.
Rudy Alessandro
Scholarship Committee Chairman