The Piedmont Chapter would like to recognize Mattie LaPrade for her outstanding efforts in the creation of the AFS Student Chapter at Virginia Tech University. During her tenure at Virginia Tech, Mattie worked to create a stand alone student chapter of AFS at the University. Previously, the student involvement with AFS was conducted through the larger MEPS (Materials Engineering Professional Societies), which contains many other student affiliated professional society groups. By creating a stand alone AFS Student Chapter, the meetings that are held will be able to be more focused on the foundry industry. This was a large undertaking and Mattie did a wonderful job leading the effort and fulfilling the role as the chapters first chairman. She also made sure to set up the next group of students to run the chapter now that she has graduated. Very impressive Mattie!