History of the John Deere Chapter of Sigma Xi, 1966-1988

The John Deere Chapter of Sigma Xi originated in October 1966 with the application for a charter by 12 Sigma Xi members employed by Deere and Company. At the time a distinction was made between academic and industrial chapters, the latter being officially part of RESA (Scientific Research Society of America) rather than Sigma Xi. From the beginning all regional scientists were welcomed into the John Deere Chapter, however, and the roster of members and officers included people from local colleges and hospitals as well as industry. In part because of this close relationship, our RESA branch was one of the few to be granted full chapter status in 1973 when Sigma Xi and RESA merged.

By 1968 the chapter had grown to 47 members, and the annual schedule of fall, winter, spring meetings and initiation banquet had become established. An informal process for ensuring program continuity and experienced officers also began. The secretary/treasurer moved progressively through the offices of second and first vice president to eventually reach the chapter presidency.

Although meetings included tours and research paper presentations by chapter members, most centered on a single speaker. Nearly fifty lecturers of international, national, and regional stature addressed the chapter from 1966-1988 on a wide variety of scientific topics. Chapter members also made presentations and contributed their professional expertise. Nearly every year at least one speaker was from our membership.