Professor Edward Mack, Jr. was a long time faculty member of The Ohio State University's Department of Chemistry. After 14 years as chairman, he resigned in October, 1955, to be devoted full time to teaching and research. Not long thereafter his friends and former students learned of his death in June, 1956.

   Professor Mack's research interests included the size and shapes of molecules from collision cross-sections using kinetic gas measurements. He also studied rates and mechanisms of gas phase reactions, surface films, and biochemical problems. Professor Mack is remembered as a man of great energy and enthusiasm for research as well as his students.

   Professor Mack became a member of the faculty at Ohio State in 1919 when he immediately began to take a personal interest in graduate students. He was their continual advocate, aiding his students through difficult years by soliciting grants from many companies and businesses. In many cases, he even took funds out of his own pocket for their support. Professor Mack was entirely dedicated to his graduate students, both scientifically and personally. In this spirit, the graduate students are responsible for every aspect of the Mack Memorial Award.

   Graduate Students participate in the Mack Memorial Award by serving on the Mack Award's committee, nominating individuals and voting for the Mack Award recipient, and of course attending the talks and joining the celebration.