Have We Met Our Objectives

Abstract

Much progress has been enjoyed by the Florida Entomological Society during the past 20 years. One way to measure the success of an organization is to determine first whether it is solvent and, if it is, then to ascertain how the funds are being used. The Florida Entomological Society is solvent, I am happy to report. All of our financial obligations have been paid. We have been able to meet these responsibilities through the sale of subscriptions and advertising space in THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST, through the sale of reprints of published papers, and through the increase in the annual membership dues. Speaking of THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST, permit me to point out here that the journal is a tremendous undertaking for an organization such as ours. And yet, issue after issue of this impressive publication continues to roll off the presses on time. Sometimes, those of us who have attained the status of a professional entomologist may be inclined to think mostly of ourselves, but let us not forget for a moment the hard times through which the Society struggled to get where it is today. Neither let us as entomologists or as members of this Society shun our responsibility to encourage the talented youth of this nation to enter the field of science and in particular the field of entomology. This we can do with a very positive attitude of promoting fulltime scholarships in the colleges and universities located in Florida. An entomologist-in-training session on the program indicates the interest of the Society in its student membership. A sound foundation for promoting entomology and the professional entomologist has been established, but we are not doing our best in fulfilling our objectives. How many of you today recall the 1956 presidential address of Herman Mayeux entitled, Our Frst Objective? That address stimulated the members of the F.E.S. to give their full support to promoting the study of entomology. To meet this objective squarely, Mayeux recommended that the Society purchase copies of a brochure, Opportunities in Professional Entomology, published by the Entomological Society of America and send this to high schools in Florida. The executive board recognized the value of this proposal and authorized the purchase of 500 copies, which were mailed to high school libraries and vocational agricultural teachers. Past president Mayeux was also the driving force behind the Entomology-InAction talk and the Entomology-In-Action exhibit; both are in use today. The Society this year revised the talk and mimeographed c,opies were sent to all members. We urge each of you to present it to science classes in high schools and junior colleges in your home communities. A set of kodachrome slides to illustrate the talk can be secured from the secretary. The Entomology-In-Action exhibit has been used extensively at agricultural meetings in the state and also has been exhibited at two national entomological meetings. Last year the membership approved the construction of a second exhibit which is on display at this meeting.