ASPE’s Eastern Michigan Chapter was founded on December 13, 1975 with 16 members and is proud to celebrate its 45th anniversary this year.
In November of 1974, Larry Keelan organized and formed a committee with George Sanctorum, PE, Robert Oliverieri, George Williams, and Roy Gilbert (all of whom were members at large of ASPE) to establish a Michigan chapter. At their first meeting on July 14, 1975, Ed Maybeck, FASPE, the Society’s First Vice President, outlined the goals and bylaws of ASPE. At the second meeting, 45 members and guests attended. The chapter petition was circulated, resulting in 12 signatures of full or associate members. Eight more were needed to establish the chapter and were obtained through personal contact at a later time. At the third meeting, held on October 13, 1975, in addition to the routine business and an excellent discussion on medical gases, the first chapter board of directors was elected:
President: George Williams- 1st Vice President: Bruce Dean
- 2nd Vice President: Roy Gilbert
- 3rd Vice President: John Matthews
- Secretary: Gary Ertman
- Treasurer: Gene Simo
President: George WilliamsOn December 13, 1975 a gala dinner/dance was held at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. At this gala, the new officers were installed, and they signed the Chapter Charter. In addition to the officers, 16 other members also signed the Charter: John Bottom, William Blumhardt, Gail Brovont, Oliver Chayle, Douglas Emery, Albert Fricker, Joseph Hernandez, Sidney Holwerda, Larry Keelan, Edward Newcomb, Robert Oliverieri, Tom Osberger, Gerald Potapa, George Sanctorum, Robert Stellwagen, and Owen Young.
Since then, the Eastern Michigan Chapter has grown to more than 130 members and is now the largest Chapter in Region 2. It has been dubbed the “educational chapter” for providing expertise by integrating experience with education. As a fun note, Pam Hartsell, CPD, the current Chapter President, is the daughter of the first Chapter President, George Williams!
The Chapter has put together a history book in celebration of its 45th anniversary. The download is free to all members, and hard copies are also available for purchase. You can download the history book at the Chapter’s website.
The Eastern Michigan Chapter hopes to have a celebratory gathering sometime in 2021, so stay tuned for details.
