A Note of Gratitude and Reflection

As outgoing Sigma Pi Sigma President, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you. Your devotion to SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma, your advocacy for the disciplines, and your commitment to fostering inclusivity and belonging motivate me each day. I am honored to be associated with passionate folks who support one another and our work in the fields of physics and astronomy. As we reflect together, I would like to celebrate a few of our successes, discuss some of the challenges ahead, and look to the future by embracing our past and committing to the ongoing work of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma.

The 18th Physics and Astronomy Congress, held in Denver, Colorado, last October, was an extraordinary success. The meeting featured outstanding speakers who graciously shared their expertise and advice, workshop leaders who facilitated impactful sessions, and tour organizers who provided valuable and engaging experiences. Over 1,100 students, mentors, and friends participated in the 2025 Congress.

For me the high point of the congress was connecting with students and recognizing their outstanding efforts. Students, you are the reason we exist. You inspire us; you give us hope in the future of physics and astronomy. We value each of you and offer our continued support.

Beyond the success of the 2025 Congress, SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma remain vibrant and active. We see countless examples of local chapters and members embracing our core values of honor, encouragement, service, and fellowship. You devote time to helping others gain greater understanding of and appreciation for the disciplines, and you generate opportunities for service within your local communities. Many of you participate in research and disseminate your work through presentations and publications, while others share their expertise in industry roles, as teachers, and in a wide range of other careers. We appreciate all that you are doing, and we remain committed to helping you in this ongoing work.

The valuable experiences at the congress and the engagement of our chapters would not be possible without the support and devotion of a host of volunteers, Society of Physics Students (SPS) staff, and the American Institute of Physics (AIP). They work diligently to help our programs run, and they offer support in many ways. Please take opportunities to show how much we appreciate them.

While we have much to celebrate, several challenges are imminent. Confidence in physics and astronomy and other science-related fields among the general population is in decline. These reversals impact funding for science, attitudes toward science and scientists, and personal actions of citizens. Many people in society ignore the findings of science if they do not fit their political leanings or worldviews. While these trends are disappointing, SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma embrace these challenges and stand ready to serve our communities and the society at large. I can assure you that we will work tirelessly to show the value of our disciplines, uphold scientific ways of thinking, and defend evidence-based decision-making.

Other difficulties arise from budgetary constraints at colleges and universities. As a result, many physics and astronomy departments face existential threats. Current data from AIP indicate that three to four physics programs are closing each year. With persistent budget cuts, these trends are likely to continue. Advocacy for physics and astronomy programs is an important part of addressing budgetary challenges. Yes, budgets are tight, but failure to advance scientific knowledge has dire consequences for our health, welfare, and economies. Some of our recent work in the societies has focused on listening to departments facing these challenges and helping them to tell their stories. While specific outcomes are not always to our liking, we continue to provide support and empowerment during these difficult times.

Another challenge is ensuring the well-being of students and those who work with students, especially considering the stress caused by social, professional, academic, and financial pressures. While we do not offer direct services, we are committed to helping students connect with experts and sharing their recommendations on how to deal with burnout and mental-health challenges. We truly care about our members, and we want everyone to thrive.

Looking to the future reminds me of our origins and emerging history. You are a part of an organization that values students and commits time and resources to supporting them. In 1921 Sigma Pi Sigma was founded as an honor society by a group of students at Davidson College with the support of their faculty. At one of their first meetings, student members proposed the pillars of the organization and emphasized the need for encouragement of students. In 1968 Sigma Pi Sigma joined with AIP’s Student Sections to form SPS, an organization committed to serving all students interested in physics and astronomy. Today Sigma Pi Sigma remains a separate honor society within SPS.

SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma offer many exciting opportunities for current and past students. As you continue your studies or pursue other endeavors, remember that you always have a home here. You play a vital role in our long-term success. Your gifts of time and resources empower the next generations of students. Your ongoing participation contributes to our overall strength and health. Many folks continue involvement after graduation by helping to organize future congresses, working with local chapters, connecting with students via research and service, and offering workshops on a broad range of topics. Others promote science through advocacy and personal interactions. Each of us has opportunities to advance our disciplines and build a more sustainable future for humanity. We encourage you to participate in ways that empower and inspire you.

In closing, my plans are to continue volunteering once my term as president ends in June 2026. I am particularly interested in helping with future congresses and addressing the challenges experienced by departments under threat. I have enjoyed my tenure as president, but most of all, I am honored to have served and worked with you. I anticipate seeing many of you at the next congress and other SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma events. Let us strive together to make SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma the most relevant, engaged, and active organizations for students and alumni. United in mission and vision, we can accomplish all that we desire.