AIME, SME, and local leaders revealed a new plaque in Wilkes-Barre, PA town square.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, original AIME 150th plans were altered. However, a small contingent was able to safely gather on the actual anniversary, May 16, 2021, in AIME’s birthplace, Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA. AIME and SME leadership joined members of the Pennsylvania Anthracite section to reveal a plaque updating the one installed for AIME’s 125th anniversary in the town center. Section Chair, John Voigt, introduced speakers, including Wilkes-Barre’s mayor, George C. Brown, and one of PA’s congress people, Matt Cartwright. AIME President, George Luxbacher, and SME President, Bill Edgerton, also said a few words, as did the Director of Operations from the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. It was all an inspirational nod to the importance of AIME’s industries to the region.
SME's Pennsylvania Anthracite section hosted 32 members and dignitaries at a private lunch.
At Isabella’s restaurant, other section leaders engaged: John Ackerman led an appropriate champagne toast and AIME 2016 President and SME 2010 President, Nikhil Trivedi, told of AIME historical ties to his nearby adopted hometown of Easton, PA. Past SME PA Anthracite Chair, Mike Korb, also introduced a few of the founding fathers. Finally, AIME 2020 President, George Luxbacher, also shared on AIME’s history and current focus, and AIME artifacts from SME’s library were on display. George rounded things out by presenting Nikhil with the 2022 AIME Presidential Citation "In recognition of and deep appreciation for your leadership and guidance in celebrating AIME’s 145th and 150th anniversaries honoring our rich heritage, and for your exemplary volunteer service to the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, the Institute, and its other Member Societies."
Related Links:
AIME 150th Plaque Reveal Program
AIME 150th Plaque Reveal Video
AIME 150th Lunch Videos:
WILK Radio Interview - with John Voigt and Mike Korb
