Executive Officer Column."The Mississippi Mississippi, state, United States Mississippi (mĭs'əsĭp`ē), one of the Deep South states of the United States. It is bordered by Alabama (E), the Gulf of Mexico (S), Arkansas and Louisiana, with most of the border formed by Academy of Sciences was born in 1930." So begins the "History of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences" that was published in Vo. 38, Number 2 (Supplement) issue of this Journal. That Supplement, published in 1993, was a little late (we may be slow but we're we're Contraction of we are. we're we are persistent) since it honored hon·or n. 1. High respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem: the honor shown to a Nobel laureate. 2. a. Good name; reputation. b. the first fifty years of the Academy; however, the wait was worthwhile because it gave many of us an appreciation of the richness of the past of the MAS. Among the highlights, we were responsible for the creation of the Gulf Coast Research Lab and the first high school science fair in Mississippi. Since our society seems to appreciate things in multiples of five and ten, we have another important anniversary approaching. The MAS will be 75 years old in 2005. If we have learned any lesson based on the first fifty years, it's it's 1. Contraction of it is. 2. Contraction of it has. See Usage Note at its. it's it is or it has it's be ~have that while we get things done that we have planned, it takes us a while. Therefore, I'm I'm Contraction of I am. Our Living Language Speakers of some scattered varieties of American English sometimes use I'm instead of I've or I have in present perfect constructions, as in suggesting that we get moving early on planning a celebration of this milestone in the life of our Academy. Actually, I cannot take credit for recognizing the approach of the 75th year. Tom Lytle mentioned this at the last Past-President's breakfast at the Annual Meeting, and we thank him for reminding us. This occasion could be marked in variety of ways. We could officially update the written history of the MAS. We have had some important happenings in the last twenty years TWENTY YEARS. The lapse of twenty years raises a presumption of certain facts, and after such a time, the party against whom the presumption has been raised, will be required to prove a negative to establish his rights. 2. and potentially more in the next five. MAS members have become increasingly active at the national level; we have begun to greatly expand the visibility of the Junior Academy. The Dodgen Lecture has become a visible public information tool. We have formed an important linkage linkage In mechanical engineering, a system of solid, usually metallic, links (bars) connected to two or more other links by pin joints (hinges), sliding joints, or ball-and-socket joints to form a closed chain or a series of closed chains. with the Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation. We could have a pre-anniversary retreat to examine the scope and direction of the Academy in view of its history and its future potential. We could simply have a big party at our Annual Meeting. It's never too early to start planning! (I must admit it would be a little ambitious to start planning for the 100th birthday of MAS. On the other hand, following the lead of the recent faux millenium, we could plan for the faux birthday at number 99.) I urge members with ideas to promote them to your officers. Let's get together and do something impressive! |
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