Annual Report Text, 2001-2002

After a nine month leave, which was spent with several community related organizations, Tod returned to Hope with a renewed sense of focus and excitement. The year provided a formidable challenge between the normal academic and research needs along with preparation for the construction of the new science building. Fortunately, an excellent group of approximately fifty student employees filled the positions of teaching assistants, stockroom assistants, prep assistants, graders, and office assistants and kept the lab program running smoothly.

Outreach opportunities continued to grow dramatically. Tod visited a dozen schools and hosted another dozen for hour-long programs. The Little Chemistry Club participants increased to almost 90 students over 2 semesters and the Summer Science Camps exploded as approximately 500 kids attended 14 camps in June and July. A group of home school students also came to Hope once a week to explore science during the academic year.

A big highlight this year was the privilege of being the non-student support person on a Spring Break Mission Trip to Nora, Virginia. What an incredible experience. Tod was also the president of the Board of Directors of Community Action House, and able to help balance a bleeding budget during economically challenging times and use his incredible golf talent (NOT) to organize a golf marathon fundraiser.