[Image above] Members of ACerS Pittsburgh Section and ASM International Pittsburgh Chapter enjoying the tour of Iron City Distilling in Creighton, PA during their joint meeting on March 19, 2026. Credit: ACerS
The ACerS Pittsburgh Section hosted a joint meeting with ASM International Pittsburgh Chapter on March 19, 2026, at Iron City Distilling in Creighton, PA. ASM International is an association of materials-centric engineers and scientists. The event drew 42 attendees, including members and retirees from both organizations. Participants enjoyed a tour of Pittsburgh Brewery Co. and Iron City Distilling, located in the original PPG Inc. Glass Manufacturing Plant No. 1, now outfitted with state-of-the-art brewing equipment.
Following dinner, Jacob Akana of Case Western Reserve University received the J. Earl Frazier Memorial Scholarship. The evening program opened with an overview of the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation, presented by Marcus Fish, ACerS Director of Development. Marcus highlighted the Foundation’s mission and shared insights into ongoing efforts to engage and attract younger audiences to the ceramic and glass fields.
The program concluded with an engaging presentation by Paul Boscarino of Holland Manufacturing, who led a lively discussion on the history of glass – an industry deeply rooted in Pittsburgh– and the critical role of refractories in glass production. As Joseph Muha, Chair of ASM Intl. Pittsburgh Chapter, remarked, “…before there was steel and aluminum, there was glass!” The ACerS Pittsburgh section gratefully acknowledges Chiz Bros., Holland Manufacturing, and the American Ceramic Society, for their support in making the event both successful and memorable.
[Image above] Section Officers presenting the J. Earl Frazier Memorial Scholarship to Jacob Akana. L-R Cheryl Richards (Secretary & Communications), Larry Fitch (Treasurer), Mark Morelock (Chair), Jacob Akana (recipient), Michael Clark (Vice Chair). Credit: ACerS
