Missouri Western State University St. Joseph, Missouri Discover Gold With the Alchemist Club at Missouri Western State University St. Joseph, Missouri 2013-2014 Academic Year Abstract Alchemist Club Activities and Events The Alchemist Club at Missouri Western State University is an outstanding organization dedicated to participation in science-based events as well as involvement in campus-wide activities. Since April 2013, the MWSU Alchemist Club has participated in many community outreach activities as well as several campus activities. These activities range from Super Science Saturday to the Chemistry Department Chemathon competition, bringing the excitement of chemistry to area students extending from elementary students to the high school level. The Alchemist Club also participated in Pie the Professor, MARSEF, and judged various high school science fairs. Later this spring, Alchemist Club members will actively participate in the annual MWSU Chemathon and even co-hosting a blood drive. Super Science Saturday Super Science Saturday is an event held annually that enables students and faculty within the sciences to spark the interest of children using a variety of activities and demonstrations. In past years, it was held at a local museum, however the program outgrew its’ previous location and is now held in the newly renovated Remington Hall, science and math building. Alchemist members actively participate in this event that attracts hundreds of children with numerous tables and booths. Demonstrations and activity tables included color wheels, sodium alginate gummy worms, shrinky dinks, and the safe demonstration of chemical explosions. Introduction Pie the Professor The Alchemist Club at Missouri Western State University has been an active campus organization since the early 1980s. During the 2012-2013 academic year, the organization was honored to be a recipient of the Honorable Mention Outstanding Chapter Award from the American Chemical Society. Pumpkin Blast-O-thon Although the size of the Alchemist Club is significantly smaller than other campus organizations, the efforts to become involved in numerous community service activities are tremendous. Activities for the year have included Western’s Welcome Week, co-hosting the ASBMB Blood Drive, participation in Super Science Saturday, judging of local high school This past fall, the Alchemist Club resurrected one of our traditional fundraisers. During national chemistry week, coffee cans were set out for each professor with their picture on the front. Students donated money to see their favorite or least favorite professor get pied, with silver coins being negative, everything else positive. After a long bidding war, the top three professors got a pie in the face and in return got to pie the student back. The Alchemist Club is lucky enough to have great professors who are willing to participate in this type of activity. science fair posters and entries, and attendance at the American Chemical Society 247th National Meeting. In the coming weeks, Alchemist Club members will dedicate their time to other community service activities, including aiding in Western’s yearly Chemathon. The Pumpkin Blast-O-thon provides an intriguing way to study reactions in a fun, seasonal environment. The Alchemist Club uses it’s money, provided by many of the members to obtain pumpkins during the fall season. With the support of the professors many different methods including one involving “elephant paste” and H2+O2 balloons, were used to “BLAST” the pumpkins. Conclusion The Alchemist Club at Missouri Western State University is dedicated to campus-based activities as well as science-based events offered to members of the community. Alchemist Club members have been involved in numerous activities and events during the academic year, including Western’s Welcome Week, Pie the Professor, Pumpkin Blast-O-thon, and Super Science Saturday. Members of the organization are very enthusiastic about participating in hosting an annual blood-drive and the Chemathon, scheduled to be held this spring.