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 first 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 have included tours and research paper presentations by chapter members, most have centered on a single speaker.  Nearly fifty lecturers of international, national, and regional stature have addressed the chapter over the last twenty years on a wide variety of scientific topics.  Chapter members have also contributed their professional expertise.  Nearly every year at least one speaker is from our membership, a record the more remarkable considering our size and lack of a core of university researchers.

Chapter Presidents

1966-67

Programs