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ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES •
APRIL 2014
37
HIGHLIGHTS...
Dorfman in TS HoF
ASM
news
Mitchell R. Dorfman, FASM,
has been
approved for membership into the Ther-
mal Spray Hall of Fame. His induction will
take place at ITSC 2014 in Barcelona,
Spain, May 21-23. Dorfman’s nomination
was based on his extensive thermal spray
research and development and his world-
wide service to the thermal spray commu-
nity both through his employment and his many ASM
Thermal Spray Society (TSS) activities over the years.
Dorfman is a Sulzer Metco Fellow and Director of Ceram-
ics, Materials Development at Sulzer Metco (U.S.) Inc. in
Westbury, N.Y. During his 30-year career there, he has led
development of numerous materials for the turbine and in-
dustrial markets. He is currently on the TSS Board, serving
as ASMBoard liaison. He is a past TSS president, has chaired
numerous ITSC sessions and TSS conferences, and has
served as a reviewer of technical papers for the
Journal of
Thermal Spray Technology.
The author of more than 50 pa-
pers and holder of 14 patents, Dorfman received his B.E. in
mechanical engineering and M.S. in materials science both
from SUNY Stony Brook. Dorfman most recently served as
division editor on the revision and expansion of
ASMHand-
book,
Volume 5A,
Thermal Spray Technology
. The TSS is
pleased to honor Dorfman with Hall of Fame membership
for his exemplary service, leadership, and guidance.
Dorfman Inducted
into Thermal Spray Hall of Fame
With Gratitude:
A Letter to ASM Volunteers
By Gay Eyerman
Contributing Editor
Over the past three years, I’ve enjoyed meeting 32
ASM volunteers at my dining room table. That’s where
I interview members over the phone for the Volunteer
Profile feature in
ASM News
. It’s been my privilege to
hear your stories, learn about your careers, and ask
why you volunteer with ASM.
I’ve interviewed engineers, consultants, managers,
students, retirees, professors, metallurgists, re-
searchers, and technologists…along with a rocket en-
gineer, special effects designer, and one recent grad
working as an insurance agent while looking for her
first job in materials engineering. It’s truly a diverse
group of members—approximately one-third of them
women.
Here are some of the common qualities I see in
ASM volunteers and some of my favorite quotes:
You want to give back.
“We pass the torch to the next generation.”
It often begins with gratitude for a mentor, job referral, or tech-
nical resource. Giving back brings great fulfillment in helping new members, students, chapters, commit-
tees, Material Advantage, Teacher Camps, Materials Camps, and science fairs.
You push yourselves.
“When I stop learning, it’s time to hang up my career.”
Volunteers often say that ASM helps them recharge
professionally, advance their careers, and build leadership skills.
You value relationships.
“ASM is my extended family.”
Personal friendships, job contacts, and mentors are key relationships that
open doors and create lasting bonds, even when jobs change.
I’ve enjoyed the humility of so many volunteers—many attributing their success to help from others. I love
hearing about high school demos or college moments that inspired a new direction. ASM volunteers have
a passion for STEM education and appreciate that “you make the biggest decisions in life when you’re the
least prepared—around age 18.”
Volunteers often reflect on dramatic changes in the steel and auto industries and other evolving technolo-
gies. All are concerned about engaging the next generation and are committed to making ASM relevant
and responsive. There is general agreement that “these things don’t happen in a vacuum—volunteers are crit-
ical.”
Volunteers are greatly valued and appreciated by staff. You are the heart of ASM. You truly make it all hap-
pen, from writing books, speaking at symposiums, and organizing camps to running local chapters and
serving on national committees. This is our time to say thank you—for pouring yourself into this “labor of
love,” selflessly giving your time and talent to serve ASM and the entire materials science community.
For all you do…thank you!
You are the
heart of ASM.
You truly make it
all happen, from
writing books,
speaking at
symposiums, and
organizing camps
to running local
chapters and
serving on
national
committees.