News Release
IWV Campus
Michael Garrison and Dr. John D. Stenger-Smith examine a bottle of
Diiobutylaluminum hydride before beginning a reaction. Photo by L.
Stenger-Smith
CCCC Student Gets Perfect Score on National Standardized Organic Chemistry Exam
Ridgecrest, CA – August 2, 2006
Michael Garrison, a student at Cerro Coso Community College, earned a
perfect score on the American Chemical Society Division of Education
Standardized Organic Chemistry Exam during Finals Week in May of 2006. This
exam, a 2-hour, 70-question, multiple- choice test, is the cumulative final
for Cerro Coso Community College's year-long Organic Chemistry for Majors
class.
Mr. Garrison received recognition from the Mojave Desert Section of the
American Chemical Society, as well as a note of congratulation from Dr. John
McMurry, the author of the Organic Chemistry textbook used at Cerro Coso.
"This is a tremendous achievement for Michael", says Dr. John D.
Stenger-Smith, Professor of Chemistry at Cerro Coso. "I've neither known nor
heard of anyone who received a perfect score until now. Of all the students
taking the exam around the country this past year, fewer than 10 will
receive a perfect score."
PhD Research Chemists at the China Lake NAWCWD Chemistry division were also
very impressed with Mr. Garrison's score. "The ACS Organic Chemistry Exam
covers a wide variety of Organic Chemistry topics in detail. Michael's
perfect score shows an incredible amount of understanding and chemical
intuition."
Michael Garrison also won the Mathematics Student of the Year and Physical
Science Student of the year awards at Cerro Coso Community College.
Mathematics Professor Dean Bernsten adds, "Michael's score on the ACS Exam
is truly impressive. I have been the instructor on record for over 3000
students in mathematics, and I say without a doubt that Michael Garrison is
the 'Student of a Career' for me."
Michael intends on majoring in Chemical Engineering at either the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, Harvey Mudd
College, or the University of California.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Facilities Development and Public Information (760)
384-6230