Lawrence Barton, professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry at UMSL, has been named a 2012 American Chemical Society Fellow. (Photo by August Jennewein)

For years of outstanding achievements in his profession and contributions to science, Lawrence Barton has been named a 2012 American Chemical Society Fellow.

Barton, professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has been involved in the ACS for 40 years, including serving as chair and chair-elect. He was one of 96 members named as 2012 ACS Fellows.

Barton joined the faculty at UMSL in 1966. For 18 years, he served as chair of the Department of Chemistry at UMSL. During his time in the chemistry department, he recruited a generation of excellent colleagues while teaching and running a successful and productive research program.

“I have been enriched by knowing, teaching and mentoring several generations of students and enjoying their successes,” Barton said.

He’s also been the keeper of records for the department, writing an annual alumni newsletter for almost 30 years now.

Barton will be honored during a ceremony at the society’s national meeting in Philadelphia, which runs Aug. 19-23.

“ACS is especially proud to honor these chemists, who have given so much to the community and the profession,” said Nancy Jackson, ACS immediate past-president. “They are leaders whose work is having a lasting beneficial impact, not just on science but also on the ACS community.”

Each fellow will receive a lapel pin and a certificate.

The fellows program began in 2009 as a way to recognize and honor ACS members for outstanding achievements in and contributions to science, the profession and ACS.