This year, for the first time, Intercom is highlighting all individual and community awards and honors in a special section of the same issue. The members, chapters, and SIGS listed on these pages are the best and brightest our Society has to offer. They are at the forefront of promotion our great profession, and we congratulate all of them on their success.
Please watch the STC website in the coming weeks for announcements on next year’s awards and honors and how you can nominate yourself or a deserving colleague for 2014.
Introducing the New STC Fellows and Associate Fellows
STC is pleased to announce that 13 distinguished members have been named Fellows and Associate Fellows of the Society. They will be recognized at the Honors Banquet at the 2013 STC Summit in Atlanta, GA.
STC awards the rank of Associate Fellow to Senior Members who have attained distinction in the field of technical communication.
The rank of STC Fellow is conferred upon Associate Fellows who have attained such eminence in the field of technical communication that the Board deems them worthy of being singled out as one of the select few who have distinguished the Society and the profession.
All Summit attendees are welcome to attend the Honors Banquet; please purchase your ticket when you register for the conference. A limited number of tickets will be available for sale onsite.
Congratulations to all the honorees, listed below with the preliminary citation.
Associate Fellows
Craig Baehr
For significant contributions to research and application of online technical communication to create connections between educators and practitioners of technical communication.
Mark R. Barnett
For service to STC as a local leader and the enthusiastic promotion of quality technical communication in the workplace.
Mollye Barrett
For dedication to promoting the profession of technical communication and supporting practitioners through mentoring and community leadership.
Kelly Graham
For demonstrated excellence as a technical communication practitioner and for distinguished service as a leader in the Northeast Ohio community.
Rachel Houghton
For enthusiastically promoting technical communication at both the community and Society levels, optimizing social media and networking to share the STC story, and for embracing innovative technological trends for professional advancement.
Richard J. Lippincott
For providing a bridge between hardware and software documentation, for service to STC Boston and STC New England communities, and for evangelizing that technical communication is “We explain things.”
Joel Meier
For outstanding leadership of the STC Rocky Mountain community through sustained contributions to the website and blog, implementing advanced and innovative technologies to streamline processes, arranging and hosting creative networking events, and mentoring other technical communicators.
Jenna C. Moore
For bold leadership and consistent and passionate promotion of the technical communication profession.
Makarand Pandit
For pioneering contributions to the technical writing community in India and a career committed to mentoring and guidance, best evidenced by founding STC India and helping to make it a Community of Distinction.
Marta Rauch
For demonstrated excellence in writing, continued service to the technical communication profession, and shared strategies for adapting new technologies such as enterprise gamification and mobile usability.
Rick Sapir
For his innovation in providing technology-based solutions to promote the Society, his unflagging dedication to his STC communities, and his zeal for sharing knowledge.
Fellows
Karen Baranich
For continuous and vigorous contribution to technical communication through enhancements to STC competitions and for your defining role in STC’s Certification program, both of which help set the industry standard for quality and competence.
Katherine (Kit) Brown-Hoekstra
For continuously and rigorously championing the global nature of technical communication and for educating and encouraging others to embrace it.
Ken Rainey Award
The Ken Rainey Award for Excellence in Research was established by STC in 2006 to celebrate and honor Professor Ken Rainey’s passion for research that results in improvements to technical communication, especially to practice. The goal of the award is to encourage quality and excellence in technical communication research by honoring those whose research studies have made an outstanding contribution to the field. The committee for this year’s award is Nancy Coppola, Ann Blakeslee, Patricia Egan, and Bernadette Longo.
This year’s winner is Michael Albers. The citations read:
Michael Albers
For his extensive research that helps researchers and practitioners deepen their understanding of making complex systems work, his development of foundational theories that support practice and teaching, and his citizenship in the profession of technical communication.
Congratulations to Michael for this well-deserved honor.
Jay R. Gould Award
The Jay R. Gould Award for Excellence in Teaching Technical Communication honors the distinguished teaching career of the late Professor Gould, whose academic mentorship guided many into the technical communication profession. To be eligible for the award, a nominee must have been a member of the Society for Technical Communication for at least ten years and must have been involved in postsecondary education for at least fifteen years. The committee this year includes Tharon Howard, Thomas Barker, and Brian Still.
This year’s winners are:
- Dave Clark
- Kirk St.Amant
The citations read:
Dave Clark
For outstanding achievements in mentoring the next generation of technical communicators; for his development of innovative new courses and approaches to teaching; and for imbuing his teaching with cutting-edge, real world experiences.
Kirk St.Amant
For exemplary teaching and pedagogical innovation in the field and for mentoring the next generation of teachers of technical communication.
Congratulations to Dave and Kirk for their honor.
Frank R. Smith Award
Each year, the editor of Technical Communication appoints a judging committee to select the outstanding article from the previous year’s issues. Judges base their decisions on article content and form. The award honors the memory of Frank R. Smith, during whose 18-year tenure as editor Technical Communication became established as the flagship publication of STC and the profession. This year’s judging team for the Frank R. Smith competition consisted of Jan Ulijn, Michelle Corbin, and Luc Desnoyers.
The judges are pleased to announced that the Frank R. Smith Outstanding Article Award goes to Hanna Jochmann-Mannak, Leo Lentz, Theo Huibers, and Ted Sanders for their article, “Three Types of Children’s Informational Web Sites: An Inventory of Design Conventions” in the November 2012 issue of Technical Communication. The introduction for the honored article states, “This article describes a content analysis of websites specifically aimed at children. The analysis results in a set of design conventions for children’s informational websites. In addition, a typology of three different types of children’s websites is proposed on the basis of the results.”
The citation reads:
For its focus on the core tenets of technical communication (audience analysis, use cases and scenarios, and information design); for analyzing a large corpus of children’s websites to identify and better understand what design conventions exist today; and for putting this research in the context of one of the most interesting literature reviews that described the cognitive development of children and its impact on general website design principles on scanning, searching, and browsing. This article inspires, informs, and directs practitioners and academics alike.
In addition, the judges also named two Distinguished Articles for the year. The first goes to Saul Carliner for his article, “Using Business Models to Describe Technical Communication Groups” in the May 2012 issue of Technical Communication.
The citation reads:
For providing an excellent introduction to the management theory of business models, detailing a taxonomy of business models for technical communication groups, and reviewing the implications for practicing technical communicators. Technical communicators can apply this theory to better identify and choose a technical communication position in a variety of companies.
The second distinguished award was given to Jason Swarts for his article, “New Modes of Help: Best Practices for Instructional Video” in the August 2012 issue of Technical Communication.
The citation reads:
For identifying a set of best practices that practitioners can readily apply when creating instructional videos, for identifying the communication design features of good videos, and for completing a rhetorical analysis of instructional videos.
Congratulations to all the honorees.
Sigma Tau Chi
STC sponsors Sigma Tau Chi (STX) to recognize exemplary technical communication students in baccalaureate or graduate programs.
STX recognizes students enrolled in technical communication programs who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above, are exemplary in participation in STC, and demonstrate a potential for significant contribution to the profession. Students who are accepted into Sigma Tau Chi receive one year’s membership in STC, a pin, and a t-shirt. The committee this year includes Pam Brewer, David Dayton, Ken Kittle, and Herb Smith.
This year, four students rose above and received this honor. Congratulations to all four of the below!
- Krysten Cooper, Michigan Technological University
- Lisa Gaeta, Rochester Institute of Technology
- John Morrison, Portland State University
- Amanda White, Utah State University
Community Awards
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.
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 2013 with their official citations.
Alberta
Jeanne Gonnason
In recognition of your tireless commitment and outstanding contributions to the Alberta Chapter and for your dedication, steadfast enthusiasm, and vision.
Carolina
Jenna Moore
For your leadership, vision, wisdom, and grace as Carolina Chapter President and your continuing contributions to the Chapter and the Society.
Chicago Metro
Elizabeth Burke
For your dedication to STC and the members of the Chicago Chapter.
Chicago Metro
Adam Evans
For your exemplary efforts and enthusiasm in promoting the Chicago Chapter through all forms of social media.
East Bay STC
Lori Cooke
For your long and continuing support of the East Bay Chapter as a member of the board and for your many contributions to the Chapter’s success, the latest being arranging such a fabulous venue for our anniversary party.
Houston
Erika Guerra-Ramon
In recognition of your exemplary efforts to revitalize the Houston Chapter and of your continuing contributions to Chapter activities.
India
Susan M. Alexander
For sustained contributions to the India Chapter and for your wisdom, experience, and sound advice.
Rajdeep Gupta
For your exceptional leadership as India Chapter President and for your encouragement and support as a mentor in our profession.
Los Angeles
Thomas A. Myers
For outstanding service as Treasurer of the Los Angeles Chapter.
New England
William Dubie
For sustaining and invaluable contributions to the former Northern New England and the current New England Chapters in the capacity of President, Vice President, and Council Member. For your exceptional leadership, vision, and unfailing support of the mission of outreach and professional development of STC student and regular members through the facilitation of educational programs, development workshops, and job postings that benefit all Chapter members.
Northeast Ohio
Virginia (Ginny) Haas
For sustained contributions and leadership in the Northeast Ohio Chapter and for your wisdom, experience, and sound advice.
Northeast Ohio
Denise Kadilak
For consistently providing exemplary leadership, guidance, and service to the Northeast Ohio Chapter and for being instrumental in our sustainability.
New York Metro
Malu Schloss
For your unflagging efforts on behalf of the New York Metro Chapter and your excellent work on revitalizing the Chapter competition program.
New York Metro
Mark Yoss
For sustained contributions to and support of the New York Metro Chapter and for your competence, experience, wisdom, creativity, enthusiasm, and sound advice.
Orange County
Michael Opsteegh
For outstanding leadership to the Orange County Chapter, for ongoing contributions to Chapter activities, and for developing and administering the Chapter website.
Orlando Central Florida
Sarah Baca
For your unfailing willingness to initiate and wholeheartedly support innovative and successful Orlando Central Florida Chapter activities and for always looking for ways to offer more value to members.
Orlando Central Florida
Alex Garcia
For your tireless dedication to the Chapter, your imaginative and innovative approach as newsletter editor, your professionalism and leadership, and your growth from mentee to mentor.
Philadelphia Metro
Lori Corbett
For your years of distinguished service, leadership, and continued generous support of the Philadelphia Metro Chapter.
Puget Sound
Kathy Henry
For your many outstanding and sustained contributions to the Puget Sound Chapter—most recently as Chair of Programs and Sponsorships—and for leadership in these areas that has provided vital support to the Chapter in recent challenging times.
Rochester
Ben Woelk
For your unwavering dedication, willingness to initiate innovative activities, and wholehearted support of the success of the Rochester Chapter.
Rocky Mountain
Joel Meier
For your outstanding leadership of the Rocky Mountain Chapter, including ongoing contributions to the website and blog, scheduling and hosting innovative networking events, and mentoring and supporting other technical communicators.
Sacramento Metro
Prescott Williams
In recognition of your exemplary efforts to revitalize the Sacramento Metro Chapter and continued selfless contributions to the Chapter.
San Diego
Jeff Freeman
For sustained leadership and contribution to the San Diego Chapter and for your encouragement and support as a mentor to our council and to our profession.
Santa Barbara
Ann Holms
For helping keep a sense of community in the Santa Barbara Chapter and for keeping the Chapter alive until its revival.
Southwestern Ontario
Fei Min Lorente
In recognition of your perfect combination of professionalism, leadership, dedication, and rapport while completing STC activities at the chapter, national, and international levels.
Washington, DC–Metro Baltimore
Eric Anest
For your organized and thorough handling of the Chapter’s finances for two years, your cooperation with the STC office regarding our tax status, and the efficiencies you introduced in the Chapter’s event-payment structure.
Washington, DC–Metro Baltimore
Viqui Dill
For your masterful, facts-based use of social media to the benefit of the Chapter and its activities, the creative images you create to advertise the Chapter’s events, your encouragement of other Chapter leaders, and the positive attitude you bring to everything you undertake.
Washington, DC–Metro Baltimore
Charlotte Glenn
For your steadfast support of the Chapter’s competitions and for an exemplary year as Chapter President, during which you handled our merger with the Metro Baltimore Chapter with enthusiasm and a positive spirit.
Willamette Valley
Melissa Amos
In recognition of your creative layout and sensible solutions to promote the Willamette Valley Chapter through print, digital, and social media communications.
Willamette Valley
Mark Barnett
For your quiet, understated enthusiasm; thoughtful innovation; and responsible leadership in all Chapter roles.
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 2013 Distinguished SIG Service Award and their official citations.
Academic
Sally Henschel
For providing leadership to the Academic SIG, an STC SIG of Excellence; for outstanding service leading student initiatives for STC; and for serving on the founding board of a new hybrid conference that bridges the teaching and practice of technical communication.
Academic
Carol Anne Wall
For providing a communications foundation for the Academic SIG, an STC SIG of Excellence, and for serving on the founding board of a new hybrid conference that bridges the teaching and practice of technical communication.
Instructional Design & Learning
Kathleen McIlraith
For your unfailing willingness to communicate IDL SIG news and events through a variety of social media channels.
Instructional Design & Learning
Katie Wilson
For your hard work and dedication in producing high-quality webinars that help expand the skill set and knowledge of the IDL SIG members.
Single Sourcing SIG
William E. Swallow
In appreciation of your bellwether management and sustaining leadership of the Single Sourcing SIG.
Technical Editing
Meredith Blackwelder Kinder
For your consistent and energetic service to the Technical Editing SIG and for your commitment to educating our community about the value of technical editing.
Technical Editing
Patricia Moell
In recognition of your inspiring leadership, which has enriched the Technical Editing SIG, its resources, reputation, community, and people.
Usability & User Experience
Kristi Leach
For sustained contributions to the Usability and User Experience SIG and for your wisdom, experience, sound advice, management of the UUX Twitter account, and support to drive the redesign of the Usability and User Experience website.
Usability & User Experience
Alice Preston
For sustained contributions to the Usability and User Experience SIG and for your wisdom, experience, sound advice, and service as SIG Manager.
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 is the winners of the 2013 Distinguished SIG Service Award and her official citation.
Orlando Central Florida
Bethany Bowles
For your exceptional service to the Chapter, the Society, and the technical communication community via your leadership in student outreach and mentoring programs, both locally and nationally.
