PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Mike Thomashow

Thank You

Time surely does fly. It is incredible to me that it has been nearly a year since I was handed the helm of the great ship ASPB. And for me, the journey has been wonderful. What I have observed is a highly dedicated crew—the folks at headquarters in Rockville, Maryland—that daily gives its heart and soul to best serve our Society. I have marveled at the amount of time and energy that ASPB members voluntarily bring to the ASPB committees on which they serve to carry out the work of our Society and to chart its future course. As has been chronicled throughout the year in this newsletter, the accomplishments of these committees have been numerous, far ranging, and important.

And then there is the membership at large, a significant portion of which attended the annual ASPB Plant Biology meeting, held this year in Boston. In total, the group is very impressive. However, what I found particularly striking at the meeting was the high quality of, and the enthusiasm for science displayed by, the younger members of the Society. (True, nowadays most people seem young to me, but please stay with my point!) It is clear to me that the future of our Society is in great hands. The young’uns just need to remember to bring a few more Captain Jake Sparrow red bandanas so that we will all be ready when the dancing breaks out on board at future ASPB social gatherings. (For those of you who were unfortunate to miss this year’s Plant Biology meeting, which included a fabulously enjoyable dancing session, you should put on your calendar now the annual meeting next year, July 7–11, in Chicago, where there is certain to be yet again, excellent science, interesting and informative workshops, and a social “celebration” that matches The Great Boston Disco!)

Well, I gotta get off the deck and make room for the next helmsman, Rick Amasino. Indeed, as we all know, we are extremely lucky to have him taking over this leadership role. So, let me close simply by saying that serving as president of ASPB has been a privilege and an honor. I sincerely thank you for bestowing upon me this privilege and honor—and for your support over the past year.

Michael F. Thomashow
thomash6@msu.edu