Iota Sigma Pi records

Iota Sigma Pi, an honor society for women in the field of chemistry, began in 1902. Throughout its history, the society has sought to foster professional advancement of women in chemistry and related fields, to facilitate networking for personal and professional support, and to recognize outstanding accomplishments of women students and professionals.

Mercury, the twelfth chapter of Iota Sigma Pi, was installed on April 10, 1923. Originally established for the St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses of the University of Minnesota, it extended membership to Carleton College and the College of St. Catherine in 1938. Eventually, the chapter included members from Hamline University, Macalester College, Augsburg College, St. Olaf College, Gustaus Adolphus College, and the University of Minnesota - Duluth. New members were recruited from high-achieving chemistry students attending these schools, as well as from women working in government and industry in Minnesota.

Mercury Chapter meetings included initiations of new members; public lectures by noted speakers in chemical and allied fields; reports by members on their own research; reports of delegates to national conventions; and tours of local laboratories and factories. The chapter hosted the national Iota Sigma Pi convention in 1957 and 1987.

Several faculty members from the College of St. Catherine (later St. Catherine University) have been active in the chapter, and have served as national officers of Iota Sigma Pi. Antonius Kennelly, CSJ served terms as national secretary, historian, and Membership Chair. Patricia Fish served as national secretary, treasurer (two terms), and Records Chair. Most recently, Gina Mancini-Samuelson has served as Members-at-Large Coordinator.