in the final analysis


Volume 72

Number 6

June 2020

James J. Robinson
Executive Director

JO  

“Like many 

associations, the 

2020 TMS calendar 

of activities was run 

through a shredder 

during March and 

continuing into the 

second quarter.”

@JJRofTMS 

 “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be 

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

 In many ways, Emerson’s observation on the purpose of life applies not just to responsible 
individuals but also to organizations that seek to pursue the greater good. It certainly applies 

By convening the materials community to network and collaborate on tasks that serve 
the good of the order, by building excellence in education, by helping industries be more 

by inspiring the pipeline of future professionals. Coming into 2020, we had many strategies, 

 But, one strategy that we lacked was how to be useful to our materials science and 

one. But tools we did need, and we needed them the day before yesterday. What could 

I’ve learned, I think that we have answered “yes” to all.

worked to leverage new government programs, dial back on discretionary activities, and 

is restructuring its events calendar, is planning for future disruptions, and is retaining our 

 Knowing that the lights would stay on, the second order of business was to look toward 
what we could do quickly to serve our membership meaningfully and altruistically. We 

professional community and access professional development tools. Inspired by member 

biological and health sciences. However, as with so many problems, materials science 

to render materials or manufacturing assistance, resources, and/or expertise. 

our collective response to our era’s pandemic. If so, perhaps we will add “happy” to that list.

JOM, Vol. 72, No. 6, 2020

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-020-04199-0
Ó 2020 The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society

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	in the final analysis