The citation for Dr. Heldrich's award read as follows:

The 2002 Southeast Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society was hosted by the South Carolina Section. By all accounts it was one of the best, if not the best, ever. Many members of the section pitched in to make the event such a success. However, it is one person in particular that deserves special credit, and the South Carolina Section now wishes to recognize this individual and his special efforts.

There was a steady hand at the rudder throughout the two years of planning that went into the meeting. Serving as overall co-chair and in particular as chair of the Administration Committee he had responsibilities overseeing the web page, special events, public relations, facilities planning, and support services. He helped select and recruit committee members. Together they worked very well as a team thanks to the open lines of communication that he fostered. The staff of the Regional Meetings Office at ACS came to know him as one whom they could work with well.

He carried out all of his assigned tasks in a timely manner with energy, intelligence, and imagination, working tirelessly for untold hours, month in and month out, in preparation for hosting the meeting. When others needed assistance carrying out their duties, he readily came to their assistance. More than once when it came to crunch time, deadlines were met by his extraordinary efforts. From keeping the overall vision in mind to making sure the smallest detail was covered, he was there to make sure that it was done. Booking meeting spaces, reserving hotel rooms, scheduling presentations, entering data, coordinating the work of committee chairs, and arranging for other details were accomplished first-hand by him.

In recognition of his many efforts and strong exemplary leadership , it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina Section of the American Chemical Society now recognizes with its Distinguished Service to the Section Award for 2004 to Dr. Frederick J. Heldrich, Professor of Chemistry of the College of Charleston.

Dr. Deavor was honored for his work in creating and maintaining the section website and the website for SERMACS 2002. The latter site was visited more than 21,000 times and provided up to date vital information to the attendees.