ANS honors longtime member Behrens
The life and career of James Wm. Behrens have been intertwined with the American Nuclear Society since his joining as a member in 1979. Now, to recognize Behrens for his philanthropic and programmatic commitment to ANS, the conference room at ANS's new headquarters has been named in his honor.
Behrens
An influence: Behrens embodies the spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy. Along with his respected role within the nuclear community, he is a recognized leader at ANS, having served on the Board of Directors (2016–19) as well as several committees; being a champion of premier ANS awards such as the Walter H. Zinn Medal, Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal, and Seaborg Medal; and playing an influential role within the vibrant ANS Washington, D.C., local section.
In addition, Behrens has served in leadership roles for multiple ANS national meetings and was general chair for the 2023 Advances in Nuclear Nonproliferation Technology and Policy Conference. Perhaps his most notable achievement in meeting organization is his spearheading the 50 Years with Nuclear Fission International Conference in 1989.
“Jim Behrens has greatly and positively affected ANS in so many ways,” said Daryl Rizzo, director of development at ANS. “The time, energy, and resources he has poured into the Society have made an impact on countless members. We are honored to recognize his generosity in this significant way.”
The new home: Changing staff needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the advent of remote work, led ANS to sell the “old schoolhouse” headquarters in La Grange Park, Ill., and seek a more modern office space that better suited the Society’s needs. Early in 2024, ANS opened its new staff headquarters at 1111 Pasquinelli Drive in Westmont, Ill. This modern office space features workstations, individual office spaces, collaboration rooms, a wellness room, a small warehouse, and the Behrens Conference Room.
The Behrens Conference Room is optimized for either in-person or virtual/hybrid meeting functionality, with seating for approximately 25, two wall monitors, and advanced audiovisual equipment. A plaque adorns the wall, featuring a portrait of Behrens alongside the text, “In recognition of James Wm. Behrens, donor, former ANS Board member, and lifelong friend of the Society.”
The conference room and office serve the Society in several ways:
- ANS staff meetings and strategic planning sessions.
- Receptions and other events hosted or sponsored by ANS.
- Chicago/Great Lakes Local Section meetings.
- Middle and high school nuclear science and technology STEM-related out-of-school-time programming.
Individuals or organizations interested in naming opportunities at the American Nuclear Society can contact development@ANS.org.