The Society for Technical Communication has long recognized the importance of the hard work and commitment of its community members. Without their energy and enthusiasm, the Society would cease to be the largest, most effective, and most prestigious organization of technical communicators in the world.
Below are the honorees this year for the Distinguished Chapter Service Awards, Distinguished SIG Service Awards, and Distinguished Service Award for Students. Congratulations to each of them and thank you for your service to the Society. And thank you to the members of the committee, Cindy Pao, Sarah Baca, and Linda Urban.
Distinguished Chapter Service Awards
In 1988, the Society initiated the Distinguished Chapter Service Award (DCSA) to recognize exemplary dedication to the chapter and its activities. The first awards were presented in 1989. Following is a list of DCSA winners for 2014 with their official citations.
Atlanta
Howard Speck
For sustained contributions to the Atlanta Chapter—for your service, encouragement, and sound advice over the years.
Berkeley
Susan Jaeger
For putting your leadership and management skills to work for the Berkeley Chapter during two terms as Secretary and in other significant volunteer positions.
Carolina
Christina Eftekhar
For sustained contributions to the Carolina Chapter—for your creativity, sound advice, and dedication to excellence in technical communication.
Chicago
Cynthia Laughlin
In recognition of your tireless efforts managing our STC Chicago Chapter Technical Communication Competition.
Chicago
Donna Wampach
In recognition of your exemplary dedication and loyalty to the STC Chicago Chapter while serving in the position of Secretary.
East Bay
Jane Olivera
For your dedication to STC and the members of the STC East Bay Chapter. For your services as President in 2012, guest newsletter editor, and continuous efforts to revitalize our Chapter’s website. For being a constant and enthusiastic supporter of the Chapter, ensuring the Friendly Chapter’s continued success.
Houston
Jowell Lydon
For your dedicated leadership and service to STC Houston, your drive to help others in any way possible, and all you do to promote the technical communication profession.
Northeast Ohio
Sharon Jendrisak
For outstanding leadership of the Northeast Ohio Chapter—for your enthusiasm, ingenuity, and commitment.
Northeast Ohio
Kim Lindsey
For your leadership, creative energy, and innovative ideas, all of which have contributed to the Northeast Ohio Chapter of STC.
Orlando–Central Florida
Mark Wray
For your many years of service to the STC Orlando–Central Florida Chapter as Chapter Treasurer, financial advisor, mentor, and Administrative Council Director.
Philadelphia Metro
Dr. Albert Brown
For sustained contributions to the Philadelphia Metro Chapter—for your wisdom, experience, and dedication.
Philadelphia Metro
Todd DeLuca
For your outstanding leadership of the Philadelphia Metro Chapter—for your inspiration, enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication.
Phoenix
Miachelle DePiano
For your unfailing willingness to initiate and wholeheartedly support innovative and successful AzSEF Committee activities and for your leadership as Vice President in maintaining the viability of the Phoenix Chapter at a time when few others stepped forward to help.
Phoenix
Jan Kruse
For outstanding leadership of the Phoenix Chapter—for your enthusiasm and creativity as Program Committee Manager, for your dedication as Chapter President to maintaining the viability of the Chapter in difficult times, and for your myriad contributions to Chapter activities.
Puget Sound
Barbara Alban
For your sustained contributions to the Puget Sound Chapter and your exemplary leadership as Chapter Secretary, Chapter Treasurer, and Membership Chair.
Rochester
Marilyn Woelk
For your leadership and prolific service to the Rochester Chapter—for your exemplary dedication, passion, ideas, and relationship-building skills.
Rocky Mountain
Michelle Despres
For your positive attitude and exemplary efforts to revitalize and increase Rocky Mountain Chapter membership in your role as Membership Manager and for your dedication as a member of our Nominating Committee.
San Diego
Nancy Rhoads
For sustained contributions to the STC San Diego Chapter—for your friendly and efficient hospitality, your wholehearted support of Chapter activities, and your enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to our Chapter.
Santa Barbara
Kathleen Gavenman
For inspiring the Santa Barbara Chapter’s revival and, in your capacity as Webinars Chairperson, playing a pivotal role in its success.
Southeastern Michigan
Maryann Bowen
For your tireless commitment and outstanding contributions to the Southeastern Michigan Chapter and for your dedication and steadfast enthusiasm in supporting the vision and goals of the Chapter.
Southwestern Ontario
Paul Kostiuk
For your calm demeanor, reliability, professionalism, and loyalty to the STC Southwestern Ontario Chapter. Without you, we could have been up the creek without a paddle.
Southwestern Ontario
Ursula McCloy
For your long-standing commitment to the STC Southwestern Ontario Chapter, your promotion of STC’s benefits, and your ability to balance your volunteer work with your commitment to your family.
Willamette Valley
Toni Mantych
For your dedication in advancing our profession and the Willamette Valley Chapter, providing strong leadership and organizational skills, sharing technical expertise, and promoting STC among students, our Chapter, and area professionals.
Willamette Valley
Rolf Vellek
For your behind-the-scenes support of the Willamette Valley Chapter—helping with the Chapter website, prompt responses on the jobs list, and enthusiasm for the Chapter and the profession.
Distinguished SIG Service Award
In 2002, the Society initiated a formal awards program to recognize the commitment and hard work of members of its special interest groups (SIGs). The Distinguished SIG Service Award (DSSA) recognizes length of SIG membership, consistency of service over the duration of membership, and variety of service.
Following are the winners of the 2014 Distinguished SIG Service Award and their official citations.
Academic
Craig Baehr
For your insight, wisdom, and willingness to serve in all Academic SIG initiatives. Your leadership has contributed to our excellent foundation.
Instructional Design & Learning
Jamye Sagan
For leading the IDL SIG, for your can-do attitude, and for your innovative ideas that have improved the SIG and helped our members.
Instructional Design & Learning
Maralee Sautter
For your consistent dedication to leading the IDL SIG and supporting its members, organizing its critical information, and promoting its image and activities.
Technical Editing
Ann Marie Queeney
For your consistent and devoted service to the Technical Editing SIG throughout your membership, and for your outstanding contributions to our quarterly membership programs.
Usability and User Experience
Meenakshi Khanna
For outstanding leadership of the Usability and User Experience SIG—for inspiration, enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication.
Usability and User Experience
Linda Patryas
For sustained contributions to the Usability and User Experience SIG to ensure an effective outreach program to new members.
Distinguished Service Award for Students
The Distinguished Service Award for Students (DSAS) recognizes student members who provide exemplary service to the Society through their dedication to their chapter and its activities.
Following are the winners of the 2014 Distinguished Service Award for Students and their official citations.
East Tennessee
Dylan Alexander Platz
In recognition of your exemplary efforts to revitalize the East Tennessee Chapter, encourage student involvement, and advance Chapter activities.
Mercer University
Alesa Webber
For your outstanding service as President, and your dedication and professionalism in helping revive the Mercer University Student Chapter, 2012–2013.
Orlando–Central Florida
Candace Du Lac
For your enthusiastic and active involvement in Chapter activities, particularly your management of the 2012 State of the Chapter Survey results and your careful stewardship of the Community Achievement Award application process.
