When the SPS chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, signed up to host this year’s Zone 8 meeting, they decided to try something different. Instead of gathering SPSers from other schools at their school, the chapter’s leaders took everyone out to Cumberland Mountain State Park for a retreat.

Holding the event in the great outdoors proved economical, with attendees carpooling for travel and sleeping in affordable cabins. It gave a particular character to the gathering, as folks from across Tennessee and neighboring states toasted marshmallows on an open fire. And, perhaps most importantly, the fresh air proved to be the perfect setting for fun and getting to know each other—whether chatting about physics around camp or admiring nature during a group hike. //

In Memoriam: Jon Levin

On April 9 we lost a dedicated member of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Sigma Pi Sigma communities. We are saddened by the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Dr. Jon Levin, professor of physics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK).

Dr. Levin, the dedicated SPS Zone 8 councilor, was an outstanding and very generous member of Sigma Pi Sigma. He will be remembered for conducting countless outreach projects with his students and mentoring those with a curious mind for the physical sciences. His love of teaching and compassion for his students earned him a 2015 nomination for the SPS Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award.

He was a friend to all and will be sorely missed. Read more about Dr. Levin’s many accomplishments and contributions to the student and professional communities of physics and the physical sciences on the UTK website at http://www.phys.utk.edu/news/2016/levin.html.

The University of Tennessee has created a scholarship fund in Dr. Levin’s memory. We, the SPS National Council and community, along with the American Institute of Physics, would like to give a gift to the scholarship on behalf of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma. To add to the SPS/Sigma Pi Sigma contribution, please visit https://donate.aip.org/jon-levin-memorial-scholarship or mail your memorial gift to Sigma Pi Sigma: 1 Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. All checks should be made payable to Sigma Pi Sigma with a memo referencing the Jon C. Levin Scholarship.

Please join us in this farewell to an outstanding member of the physical sciences community.

IN THE ZONE | Regional SPS Highlights