Recognizing Outstanding Members

by Opal Gamble, President

Some articles are very difficult to write; however, I'm sure I don't have to tell a bunch of communicators about writer's block.

This month's article, however, is a very easy one to write. When it comes to excellence in our chapter, there is a lot to say. Debbie may have to rein me in this month!

Distinguished Chapter Service Award

Our chapter has a long history of achieving awards from head office, and this year is no exception.

About the 2005 recipient, Robin Dube

Robin Dube is a highly valued member of the Southwestern Ontario chapter. She has served in several capacities on our chapter's council and has held some of our most challenging and respected positions including Competition Manager. In one STC year, Robin held not one but two portfolio positions and also participated as an active member on a third committee.

The following lists indicate her unwavering dedication to our chapter:

Portfolio Manager

• Volunteer Manager (1997 - 1998)
• Secretary / Recorder (1997 - 1998)
• Membership Manager (1998 - 2000)
• Competition Co-Manager (2000 - 2001)

Committee member

• High School Competition (1997 - 1998)
• Competition Judge (1998 - 1999)

Our chapter can always count on Robin to lend a hand or offer ideas. Although she has not participated on council for a few years, Robin continues to support the STC in general, our chapter in particular, and the entire profession. She has used this time to focus her attention on her own career and on mentoring emerging technical communicators.

Citation:
"In recognition and appreciation of your outstanding contributions and commitment to the Southwestern Ontario chapter."

Distinguished Service Award for Students

STC introduced a new award this year, to recognize contributions to student chapters. Almost immediately, chapters spoke up and said "we have students to recognize too!"

STC immediately amended the rules to allow full chapters to file for the award.

About the 2005 recipient, Sarah-Beth Doner

Sarah-Beth is a valued student member of the Southwestern Ontario Chapter. She is currently studying Rhetoric and Professional Writing in the Applied Studies Co-operative education stream at the University of Waterloo.

Her enthusiasm for technical writing, as well as her energy and skill as a writer, earned her employment at iAnywhere Solutions in Waterloo for two co-op work terms.

During our chapter's 2004 membership drive, we awarded two STC memberships. Sarah-Beth was the recipient of a student membership. She volunteered to become our chapter Recorder the same evening!

This year, Sarah-Beth took on our Membership portfolio. She is making an extremely positive impact on our chapter's membership count, replying promptly and thoughtfully to would-be member inquiries.

She also writes frequent articles for our chapter newsletter, The Quill, and has continued our chapter's practice of interviewing new members to publish introductory biographies in the publication.

Our chapter has a membership that sprawls over a large geographic area. Sarah-Beth took one of our chapter's goals for the year, focusing on member needs to make them feel the value of their memberships, and expanded her interviews to include biographies from members who cannot attend our monthly general meetings.

Sarah-Beth brings a fresh student perspective to our chapter council meetings. She looks for ways to reach our student membership, and helps more senior members value the contributions students can make to our chapter and our profession. Due to her dedication, we feel confident in our efforts to win new members through our student population in a "university town."

When I sent a proposal to members of our chapter council to inquire about support for Sarah-Beth's nomination, I received instant, positive feedback, including the following, glowing comment:
"Sarah-Beth is totally committed to helping us as a chapter and as an organization. It would be great for her to get some extra recognition."

Citation
"In recognition of your dedication, unfailing enthusiasm, and commitment to the Southwestern Ontario chapter."

A Few, Final Words

On behalf of our council and chapter, thank you very much for your contributions Robin and Sarah-Beth.

This chapter wouldn't be the same without you.

About Opal Gamble

Technical writer, web monkey, and general geek, Opal's wanted to be a tech writer since high school; she became a STC-SOC council member in 1997. A graduate of UW's co-op Rhetoric and Professional Writing program, Opal is a contract Technical Writer at Campana. She also runs her own freelance business, SiO2.

When she's not doing STC business, Opal participates in autocross events (with a hybrid car, no less!) and tries to cultivate a green thumb in her garden.