DocQment, newsletter of the STC Quality SIG, June 2002.

Lenk Receives SIG Distinguished Service Award

Please join me in congratulating Don Lenk on receiving one of the first-ever "SIG Distinguished Service Awards" at this year's annual conference. This is a new award designed to recognize sustained contribution to STC's special interest groups.

Don was recognized for his long-term service to the Quality SIG and for especially significant contributions within the last 12 months. Don is one of the earliest active members of the SIG. Over the past 7 years, he has lead special interest subgroups, developed the initial list of bibliographic references on quality, given sessions at STC for the Quality SIG, and developed our first home page on the web. He designed the FAQ section of the website, and moved the "references and resources" online. He has written articles for the newsletter and hosted Quality SIG tables at the conference luncheon. He is always there, always willing to take on new tasks.

Within the last 12 months, Don temporarily took on the listserv administrator position during an interim period when we needed coverage. He redesigned the Quality SIG website during this period, making a number of improvements. He added several FAQs to the website. He also designed and implemented an html format for our initial online newsletter. His quick response enabled us to get the newsletter online and available to members in a matter of weeks. Sometimes it takes a role model to encourage other volunteers to step forward, and that is exactly what Don is for us in the Quality SIG – a role model volunteer.

Founder of the Quality SIG, Ann Wiley adds, "I am very grateful to Don. It is a very meaningful experience to start an activity, and to have someone as dedicated, hard working, and talented as Don take a major role over many, many years. Thank you, Don, for your special contribution to my experiences and for your contributions to us all."

Don's citation reads: For your sustained contributions to the Quality SIG and for your dedicated willingness to take on any and all tasks, large or small, to keep the SIG active and productive for its members.

Congratulations from all of us, Don!

Lori Fisher
STC Fellow, Silicon Valley Chapter