Scientists and Engineers for Appalachia Records

On June 22, 1969, several alumni and faculty of Berea College met at Boone Tavern in Berea, Kentucky, to consider how Dr.  Waldemar Noll's memory might be perpetuated through action.  Dr.  Noll, who died in 1968, had served as chairman of the physics department from its inception in the 1920s until his retirement in 1961.   Growing from this beginning (The 1969 meeting), Scientists and Engineers for Appalachia was formally organized in late April, 1970, on the campus of Berea College.  The primary objective of this organization was to provide a medium by which advances in science and technology could be utilized to improve life in Appalachia. The association was imbued with the idea and belief that there were suitable human and natural resources in the region which could be used to improve the standard of living.  Through meetings and forums initiated by the association, it was believed, a better understanding of those resources could be created.  The SEA made available to the communities of Appalachia technical information and guidance in order that the citizens could make meaningful decisions concerning their economic, social and cultural development consistent with their resources and goals.