On March 3, 2007, NSHSS members and families traveled from across the country to visit the University of California, Santa Barbara, for a member program which celebrated "The Passion of Invention." UCSB Chancellor Henry Yang hosted the event and welcomed 500 students and parents to the Corwin Pavilion located in the heart of the beautiful UCSB campus.

NSHSS member Amy Herbertson meets Dr. Kroemer at UCSB event.

NSHSS Advisory Board member Herbert Kroemer, Nobel Laureate in Physics and UCSB faculty member, inspired the theme for the event with his semiconductor research. Dr. Kroemer has helped create the technology that has made cell phones and computers possible, and he is eager to share his journey in research with NSHSS members. During the event, Dr. Kroemer spoke to the group, tracing his own development as a scholar and encouraging NSHSS members to find their personal passion and strive for excellence in their area of expertise, wherever it may lie. He exhorted students to keep in mind one of his favorite quotations, from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

NSHSS Chair Claes Nobel further encouraged and inspired students by charging them to be ambassadors for peace in the world and caretakers of the planet. Mr. Nobel reminded the youth of their powerful ability to create change, and highlighted Intel scholarship winner and NSHSS scholarship winner Shannon Babb, as an exemplary member. Shannon has performed extensive research on water treatment in her home state of Utah. Shannon was invited to attend the Nobel Prize ceremonies in 2006 to share her research and concern for global water treatment. Read Shannon's remarks in the Council Corner of the April Monthly Update.

Claes Nobel presents scholarship to Shannon Babb

NSHSS members heard from Gus Siekierka, Corporate Vice President of Human Resources for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). CSC received the Claes Nobel Award of Excellence for the company's commitment to scholarship. Mr. Siekierka emphasized the importance of being prepared as the world becomes more of a connected global community every day--students should never underestimate the need for learning languages and honing communication skills. He urged students to get as much education as possible in order to take their places successfully on the global stage.

The event also highlighted the UCSB all-male a capella group Brothas from Otha Mothas, NSHSS Student Council members, and local Educators of Distinction. And among other activities, UCSB hosted an admissions presentation for parents and students, a parents' reception, a panel discussion administered by current UCSB students, and a walking tour of campus.

"This was a fabulous meeting. I am so grateful for your organizing it! These young students may not realize how fortunate and blessed they are, but, they will some day. Please keep up your good works and thank you for sharing them with us!" — NSHSS Parent, Westlake Village, CA

Please make sure to check the NSHSS Member Events page frequently for more upcoming events and opportunities to meet Mr. Nobel and Nobel Laureates, connect with top colleges around the country, and be honored for your academic achievement. We hope to see you in Washington D.C. for our annual Scholar's Day event in the Russell Building Senate Caucus Room.