Chinese American Chemical Society Records

The Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS) is a non-profit professional organization for Chinese Americans working as chemists, chemical engineers, and in chemistry related professions. The organization was founded by Chinese American chemist Jesse C.H. Hwa.

CACS’ origins date back to 1979 when Hwa, then Director of Development at Stauffer Chemical Company’s Research Department, organized a luncheon for Chinese American chemists in Honolulu, Hawaii to welcome a delegation from the People’s Republic of China. Encouraged by this luncheon’s turnout, Hwa held several subsequent gatherings for Chinese American chemists at professional conferences, the success of which persuaded him to form a professional organization.

At Hwa’s initiative, the Chinese American Chemical Association (CACA) was formally established at the American Chemical Society’s Spring Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on April 1, 1981. Hwa was elected as the new organization’s first president. CACA renamed itself the Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS) in 1982.

The mission of CACS is to promote fellowship among Chinese American chemists, chemical engineers, and those working in related professions. Its objectives include enhancing communication and professional interaction among its members, providing a network for professional enhancement and career development, and encouraging scholarly achievements in chemistry and chemical engineering. The organization describes itself as having neither national nor regional political affiliations. CACS’ membership is open to professionals and students. It currently has three local chapters.

Sources

Chinese American Chemical Society Records, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Chinese American Chemical Society Website - https://sites.google.com/view/cacshq/home