The International Conference on Algebra and its Applications held in Athens, Ohio, June 18 21, 2008 and sponsored by the Ohio University Center for Ring TheoryanditsApplications(CRA)hadasitscentralpurposetohonorSurenderK. Jain, the Center s retiring ?rst director, on the dual occasion of his 70th birthday and of his retirement from Ohio University. With this volume we celebrate the contributions to Algebra of our distinguished colleague. One of Surender s main attributes has been the way in which he radiates enthusiasm about mathematical research; his eagerness to pursue mathematical problems...