Join Us as AIIP Recognizes Exceptional Members
Each year at our conference, AIIP recognizes members’ and other thought leaders’ contributions to the industry, the association, and individuals. Join us at #AIIP21, The Virtual Conference for Independent Info Pros, as we honor this year’s award recipients on April 14th at 4:30 pm EDT. Visit https://virtual21.aiip.org/ to register for the virtual conference and reserve your spot at the Awards Ceremony.
The AIIP Awards Committee, chaired by Arthur Weiss with Michele Bate, manages the nominations and the selection of the Sue Rugge and Pam Wegmann Award winners. AIIP President Jennifer Pflaumer will recommend the recipient of the Marilyn M. Levine AIIP President’s Award.
No one knows yet who will be on the virtual stage to accept their award for this year. You need to be there! For the time being, though, let’s remember our 2020 award winners:
Pam Wegmann Award: Marydee Ojala
The Pam Wegmann Award recognizes a member who demonstrates extraordinary support of AIIP’s global presence. Pam, who served as AIIP President from 2002 to 2003, was particularly interested in AIIP’s role as a global leader in the information industry.
Marydee has been an AIIP member since 1987 and has held board positions as Secretary and Treasurer. She inspires members to follow in her footsteps and promote AIIP as they travel the world. Marydee was nominated by Amelia Kassel, who remembered her presence at every Online International-UK conference, tirelessly promoting AIIP and broadening our international membership. Amelia noted, “Marydee Ojala is and has been a stalwart supporter of AIIP for as long as I can remember, especially on the international scene.”
Marilyn M. Levine AIIP President’s Award: 2019–2020 Virtual Events committee, comprising co-chairs Elizabeth McLean and Kelly Berry, and members Mary Ellen Bates and Betty Nordeng
In memory of the award’s first recipient, the AIIP President’s Award was renamed in 2010 as the Marilyn M. Levine AIIP President’s Award. This award is presented at the recommendation of the President to recognize a person or institution demonstrating extraordinary support of the objectives of the association.
The Virtual Events Committee offers members valuable content and provides virtual networking opportunities. Kelly, Elizabeth, Mary Ellen, and Betty have imagined, created, tested, tried, evaluated, and improved AIIP’s virtual events program with creativity and grace. Their hard work and dedication have been invaluable to making this member benefit a huge success.
Sue Rugge Memorial Award: Jennifer Burke
The Sue Rugge Memorial Award recalls the memory of Sue, who was widely regarded as the pioneer of the independent information industry. She was an active member of AIIP and served as president from 1988 to 1989. Sue is fondly remembered by many AIIP members as a mentor in the purest form and this award recognizes a member of AIIP who has significantly helped another member or members through formal or informal mentoring.
Deb Hunt nominated Jennifer saying “From the moment I met Jennifer at an AIIP conference some years ago, I knew she was going to be an influence for good in AIIP and beyond … She is smart, patient and passionate about her work and helping others to do their work better … Jennifer’s combination of selflessness, fun and professionalism is rare and makes her a valuable asset to AIIP, our profession, and her colleagues.” Jennifer represents the unique spirit of sharing expertise, experience, and knowledge to advance the independent information profession that is Sue Rugge’s legacy.
For more information about how AIIP recognizes contributions to the industry, to the association, and to individual members, please visit the Awards page.
Phyllis Smith serves as the Secretary of AIIP’s Board of Directors. She is a partner in ITKVector Inc. in Canada.
