EDITORIAL
To Recognize Excellence Students of high academic rank are saluted for their breadth of achievement
T
his week C&EN presents to the chemical world 12 outstanding college students in chemistry or chemical engineering selected for 1961 C&EN Merit Awards. Chosen with academic ability as a major requirement, they all have shown superiority in other efforts as well. The pursuit of honor in the heroic tradition has been admired in the great civilizations whose philosophies have been recorded. In the tradition of the Greeks, for example, it was felt that achievement of great honor called for making best use of both mind and body. Striving for the honor goal is a basic part of man's nature. The way of ranking such performance influences the quality of the society. In a society of great numbers and great complexes, as is ours today, we seek criteria and evidence of high achievement. The superficial mark is widespread. The status symbol—loosely defined and widely criticized—can be an instrument of deception open to wide abuse. Sound, objective judgment of true contribution is extremely difficult, but the encouragement of the pursuit of excellence cannot begin too soon. With this goal the editors of C&EN have undertaken the establishment of Merit Awards.
There is no doubt that science and technology influence our life today to the greatest extent ever. For the best influence there is needed a deep appreciation of the relation of science to the rest of the fabric of our lives. Then there must be encouragement for the science students to extend the powers of their talents to touch on other aspects of that fabric. The future is theirs to weave. Also, as they learn of the satisfaction that can come with the development of the intellect they should cultivate the rich fruits of breadth of experience. They owe themselves a gratifying life. To these 12 C&EN Merit Award students, as well as to the many others of high rank who were considered, we present our respects. The winners we congratulate. However, they should think of this award as but a mark of assurance that they have started well on a worthy path. It will prove its value only as it stimulates their further and more determined pursuit of excellence.
M AY
2 2,
1961
C&EN
7
