September 20, 1989

The National Organization of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) was established on August 7, 1984. The national organization was created for the need of a national registry of animal scientists qualified to provide technical service and evidence of professional competence.

On June 12, 1986, an organizational meeting was held in which nine members of ARPAS and seven interested visitors determined that there was support for a Washington, DC, area chapter. A petition to the Governing Council, National ARPAS Organization was made on June 16, 1986, and the Governing Council approved the local chapter establishment on Thursday, June 26, 1986. The Washington, DC, Area Chapter has the distinction of being the first chapter of ARPAS. The officers are elected to serve from fall to spring, and no meetings are held during the summer.

In 1986, there were three chapter meetings and there has been increase in the numbers of meetings and the attendance at the meetings. During the 1988-1989 year there have been seven meetings of the chapter, with attendance at the meetings now averaging 40 persons. In the spring of both 1988 and 1989 there have been symposia sponsored by the local chapter. In addition to the purpose of the national organization, the local chapter is able to regularly bring together the animal scientists from research, educational, administrative, industrial, and regulatory organizations in the greater Washington area.

During the regular meetings, there has been an opportunity to learn of the activities and viewpoints of the program speakers, as well as an opportunity for animal scientists in the Washington area to establish or reinforce their personal relationships.

The 1988 spring symposium topic was “The Future Role of Animal Products in the Human Duet,” with a panel of four speakers, representing different viewpoints for a comprehensive discussion of this timely and appropriate subject.

The spring symposium format was expanded for 1989, in which six knowledgeable individuals discussed the “Changes in Animal Agriculture: Key Factors and Their Impact”.

Under the leadership of Dr. Theron Rumsey, the persons who participated in the 1988-89 regular meeting and the spring 1989 symposium have prepared their remarks for issuance of the first set of Proceedings of the Washington, DC, Area Chapter of ARPAS.