Ferris Alumnus is National Chemical Technician of the Year

David Stickles of Midland, a 1974 Industrial Chemistry Technology graduate, has received the National Chemical Technician Award presented by the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Technicians.

Stickles has worked at Dow Corning Corporation in Midland for more than 25 years where he helped develop the company's first commercial solventless paper coating system. Currently a Senior Science and Technology technologist, Stickles is a recognized expert in release coatings and conducts training for Dow Corning customers and employees. He serves as a director of the Midland Section of the American Chemical Society.

The National Chemical Technician Award, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, is presented annually to a chemical technician who has demonstrated an extremely high degree of professionalism. Award criteria include technical and communication skills, safety, reliability, leadership, teamwork, publications and presentations. Professional and community activities also are considered.

For several years, Stickles has chaired "Sci-Fest," an annual event held in conjunction with National Chemistry Week. The five-county science festival drew an estimated 2,000 students, parents and teachers this year.

Another Ferris State alumnus, John Engelman (AS'64), presented the award to Stickles at the recent national meeting of the ACS in San Francisco.