Awards Presented to Deserving Individuals & Organizations at FGS 2016 Conference

We presented awards this morning at the FGS 2016 National Conference, “Time Travel: Centuries of Memories,” in Springfield, Illinois, to fellow genealogists and organizations who provide excellent work, assist other genealogists, and aid in the preservation of records.

Loretto (“Lou”) Szucs from Illinois was presented with the Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Humanitarian Award for being a constant supporter and visionary for the genealogical community.

Judy Russell from New Jersey, also known as “The Legal Genealogist,” was presented with the Directors Award for her role as a leader within the genealogical community in helping to raise awareness and funds for the Preserve the Pensions project.

Mike Hall from Utah was presented with a Presidential Citation for his constant dedication and support of FGS’ Preserve the Pensions project.

Julie Cahill Tarr from Wisconsin was also presented with a Presidential Citation for enriching FORUM's readers with dynamic new content and resources as FGS FORUM editor.

John Fisher from Vermont was presented with the FGS Award of Merit in recognition of exemplary and outstanding service to FGS Member Society, the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society.

Phyllis Snider from Illinois was presented an FGS Certificate of Appreciation for her tireless work in promoting genealogy for and with the Iliana Genealogical and Historical Society.

The FGS Technology Advances Award was presented to the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) Wiki in recognition for their impact on the genealogy community with their promotion and education of genetic genealogy and their advocacy for education of genetics as a tool for genealogical research.

An FGS Technology Advances Award was also presented to JSTOR (Journal Storage) for their impact on the family history community by providing access to more than 2,300 digitized academic journals.

Eight individuals received the FGS Award of Merit in recognition of meritorious service or distinguished work on the 2016 FGS Conference and are as follows:

• Paul Milner
• Teri Flack
• Caroline Pointer
• Ed Donakey
• Julie Cahill Tarr
• Jane Haldeman
• Cindy Foreman
• Laura Kovarik

Additionally, sixteen individuals received a Certificate of Appreciation to express FGS’ thanks for work performed for the 2016 FGS conference in an outstanding manner and are as follows:

• Diane Gagel
• David McDonald
• Jane Van Tour
• Joan Kitchen Murray
• Sara Taylor
• Jackie Lyell
• Dawn Carey Henry
• Linda McCauley
• Rollie Littlewood
• Stephanie Carbonetti
• Pat Rand
• Shellee Morehead
• Lynda Keenan
• Howard Manthei
• Angela McGee
• Donna Hartwig

“Congratulations to all FGS Award winners,” said FGS President D. Joshua Taylor. “Thank you for your service and creativity. Each worthy recipient is representative of the tremendous accomplishments made in the genealogical industry.”