From the President…..
Greetings! Thank you for your cooperation and support of my ideas and efforts throughout the past sixteen months.
Immediately after my election as the 12th President of APSENA, I forwarded to you my ten goals that I had intended to pursue during my two- year term. Our success in reaching those goals would be determined by our collective efforts. We will assess our progress by comparing the state of affairs of APSENA prior to April, 2008 with that of the subsequent two years (ending in April 2010 or earlier). I believe our membership consists of highly motivated, visionary and dedicated individuals. These persons are working day and night to elevate the organization’s status as one of the oldest and more effective professional organizations of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers. I wish to extend my personal gratitude to this distinguished body.
I would like to share with you some highlights of the past APSENA Conference in Houston, Texas. On November 22-23, 2008 we celebrated the 25th Annual Conference of APSENA at Hilton in Houston, TX. The theme of that conference was, Renewable Energy: Technologies and Opportunities. I would sincerely like to extend my gratitude toward Mr. Mohamad Mukhtar and Mr. Safdar Kazimi for putting together an exceptional program. Our key challenge for the event was the low promised attendance. The budget deficiency was instantly remedied by the generous contributions and pledges of our pioneers, past presidents, board members and other members. This effort enabled the organizers to break even. Our biggest sponsor was an anonymous contributor from the west coast. We are very thankful for their support.
The success of any organization depends on the dedication of its members just as much as it depends on the sincerity, hard work and commitment of the leader. I am proud to be associated with an esteemed body of professionals who are making a significant difference in their respective fields of specialization in the USA but also who are productive and concerned expatriates anxious to contribute to their original homeland. It was delightful to learn that many members went to Pakistan during the past year and delivered lectures at various Pakistani institutions of higher learning, visited many science and technology laboratories to provide expertise and discuss issues of concern. Many looked at the status of numerous businesses in Pakistan and offered to share their knowledge and training with such entities. You will read about them in our forthcoming newsletters. Similarly, APSENIANS have been active participants in various other Pakistani Americans’ organizations focused on politics, business, science, engineering, technology, health and education here in the United States.
Our 26th Annual Conference will be held on October 17-18, 2009 at the I- Hotel and Conference Center, University of Illinois located at 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820. A block of rooms has now been reserved at the I-Hotel at $109.00 plus taxes per night for up to two or four occupants per room. For reservations please call: 217-819-5000.
Additional rooms have been reserved at the nearby Holiday Inn, 1001 W. Killarney St., Urbana, IL 61820 (Phone : 217-328-7900) for APSENA delegates and will be held until Oct. 8, 2009 at the rate of $99.00 per night for up to two or four occupants (two queen beds). To obtain discounted conference rates, mention “APSENA 2009 Conference” attendee. The APSENA 2009 conference team, under the leadership of Dr. Irfan Ahmad, Associate Director of the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, along with faculty colleagues and the Pakistani Graduate Students Association (PGSA) at the University of Illinois has planned an enlightening program. The theme of this conference is, Water: Lifeline for Energy and Health. Please reserve your rooms now before the hold is released and make your travel plans as soon as possible.
The Registration fee for all attendees is $100.00 and will include all meals, conference reception on Friday evening, one and a half-day plenary and concurrent conference sessions and dinner/entertainment on Saturday evening. Spouse registration is $50.00 (for dinner/entertainment program only). The registration fee for students is $15.00.
A poster competition for students and junior faculty members will be held at this conference and we encourage you to disseminate this information to outstanding students engaged in relevant research around your campuses. Additionally, I am seeking your nominations for Pakistani Americans who have excelled in their fields and deserve to be highlighted and recognized by APSENA. Please justify your nominations and include an updated resume of your nominees.
Once again, please accept my sincere thanks for your support throughout the past year and I seek your continued guidance in the future. APSENA is our organization and we must determine what it should and should not be. Please support the APSENA conference by sponsoring the program with your generous contributions. Send your tax-free contributions by checks to “APSENA” at PO Box 53952, Baton Rouge, LA 70892 now to support the Annual Conference.
I look forward to seeing many of you next month in Illinois in good health and cheer. Please accept my best wishes for a Very Happy Eid-ul-Fitr.
All the best,
Nusrat Naqvi
Sept. 19, 2009