SPR NEWS
Gail J. Demmler, M.D., Secretary-Treasurer
"The Logo was designed to give a strong modern graphic appearance to an image (the triangle) that can stand alone without text. It evolved from the natural graphic appearance of the SPR, which has the look of Greek text. The triangle complemented the lines of the letters, and is also a fundamental shape, with lots of meanings, but for me it was a simple pediatric shape. To me also the SP, and R (three letters made from 2) has the look of two opposing hands, but is more evocative than obvious. The more traditional font of the text complements the more avant-garde appearance of the graphic... Finally, the capital S P and R form a strong diagonal along the triangle that reinforces the acronym in the graphic. Overall, it provides many possibilities for using parts or the whole in different aspects of society functions."......... Mark Dennison, SPR Logo Contest Winner.
| Wow! And you thought it was just a simple little logo! |  |
There is a reason why I started my report with this quote. First, Mark's symbolic prose was just too good to keep a secret! Second, his contribution is a wonderful example of productive member involvement in the Society.
For the SPR to continue to "stand alone" among other academic societies, we need active member involvement. For example, if you wish to be "fundamental... and... traditional", submit nominations for officers and Council members to me or to the central office. This year, we will need nominees for the year 2000 Officers: Vice President (who will automatically ascend to President in the year 2002) and Membership Secretary (who will serve a 5 year term through 2005). Special thanks goes to Candice Fike, our current Membership Secretary, for her years of service in this challenging position. Three Council members will be rotating off, and new members are needed to replace them. Thanks to Dan Bernstein (Cardiology), Alan Krensky (Nephrology), and Gary Fleisher (President) for completing your terms of office, hard work and dedicated service on Council! Nominations are due by mid October and will be reviewed by the Council at the November Fall Council meeting. Nominees must have at least three years of eligibility of active member status and be fifty years of age or less. In December of 1998, the nominees selected by Council will be circulated to the active membership, at which time you have one last chance to get your nominee on the ballot! Elections are held early in 1999, with the voting deadline usually set in mid March.
If you wish to be "more evocative than obvious" promote the SPR awards given to those who submit abstracts to the annual meeting. More qualified candidates are needed each year in all categories, so consider nominating a medical student, house officer, fellow, or young investigator for one of our awards. The Richard D. Rowe Award in Perinatal Cardiology and the E. Mead Johnson Award for Research in Pediatrics are two other very special awards given to young scientific investigators.
If you feel "strong" and "modern" then submit a scientific program to the program committee to consider for the annual meeting (including title, topics, and speakers), or even better, volunteer to be considered for service as a member of the Program Committee, which plans and executes the annual scientific meeting.
And finally, if you feel "avant-garde", come to the annual business meeting and actually bring up an item of new business for discussion!
So, as you can see, there are "many possibilities" to help "in different aspects of society functions." The SPR is a vital society with many exciting opportunities to be involved. The recent contribution of one new members is a wonderful example! Maybe you will be the next member to help "shape" the future of our Society!