Member of the SCU Law School Board of Visitors Howard Peters J.D. ’78, and wife Sally Peters, received the 2016 Helen M. Free Award for outstanding public outreach from the American Chemical Society. Both former laboratory chemists, they were honored at a ceremony in Philadelphia in August 2016. For nearly 20 years, the Peters have toured the United States sharing their signature presentation, “Chocolate — Food of the Gods,” which explores the history and chemistry of one of America’s favorite treats.
They also have been scientist-author lecturers on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and on Princess Cruises ships. Other venues have included churches, science clubs, children’s museums and schools. Through these activities, they say they have reached out to virtually every demographic, including underrepresented groups in science. They spoke at SCU Law Alumni Reunions in 2015 and 2016, presenting "Chocolate: A Religious Experience" with samples and a free raffle for a 10-pound bar of bittersweet chocolate.