Edwin Hyland

This endowment was created with a gift from Edwin Hyland, former Glass Blower in the NIU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Mr. Hyland encouraged students to pursue an interest in the field of chemistry and was supportive of their exploration of those interests through the NIU Chemistry Club (Chem Club). The NIU Chemistry Club is a student affiliated chapter of the American Chemical Society and is open to anyone with an interest in chemistry. The purpose of this organization is to promote interest in chemistry and the chemical professions, to aid understanding of the field of chemistry, and to provide interaction among individuals engaged in the study of chemistry. The Chemistry Club sponsors several outreach events each year, including the Chem Demo Night, a public favorite. The club typically organizes and presents an evening of chemistry demonstrations once a year, always offering a different theme, additionally, the Chem Club often participates in STEMFest, interacting with young people and their parents from across the northern Illinois region to explore the STEM field and to consider future careers.