The Southeastern Section of the A.S.G.S. held its annual meeting at the Capstone April 6-9. It was the 50th Anniversary of the Section and the first time the Section has ever held its meeting in Tuscaloosa. Glassblowing Facility Manager Rick Smith and his wife Lorraine, Administrative Secretary- Facilities Business Administration, hosted the conference. The event was based at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, featuring glass-related exhibits, with tours of Mercedes-Benz and the Warner-Westervelt Museum. The annual business meeting was held at Shelby Hall including a barbeque. Chemistry Chair Dr. Joseph Thrasher welcomed the group and spoke of the important relationship between scientific glassblowing and research. Workshops and technical demonstrations were held in the new Shelby Hall Glassblowing Facility. The conference concluded with a reception in the Bryant Museum, the annual banquet, and coincidentally, University Capital Campaign fireworks. About 40 members were in attendance, traveling from as far away as New York and Texas.

The American Scientific Glassblowers Society was formed in 1952 and incorporated in 1954. The regional sections were formed thereafter. The A.S.G.S. Mission Statement proclaims: “The American Scientific Glassblowers Society encourages the free exchange of knowledge and the

ASGS Conference attendees tour the Shelby Hall Glassblowing shop.