Chapter Awards

Each spring, NSA-IL honors members who have made significant contributions to the chapter, to other colleagues, and to the craft of professional speaking.

Award winners for 2006-2007 (top) Al Lautenslager, President;
(left to right) Cheryl Kuba, Jeff Korhan, and Deb Disandro, President's Spirit Awards.

The NSA-IL General Membership nominates and selects the following two awards:

• Member of the Year

The Member of the Year Award is given to recognize one NSA-IL member who has made a significant contribution to our chapter during the year. An individual may receive this award only once.

The 2007 winner was Deb DiSandro.

Previous recipients are Sam Lilly, M.J. Cross, Marge Hildago, Bob Swanson, Jeff Blackman, Frank Bucaro, Rick Jakle, Nadine Grant, Joyce Flory, Brian Becker, Jerry Black, Janelle Britain, John Blumberg, Christine Corelli, Deb Gauldin, Jim Vahle, Cheryl Perlitz, Cyndi Maxey, Lori Klinka and Pat McWard.

• Barbara O'Connell Celebration of Life Award

The Barbara O'Connell Celebration of Life Award is given in recognition of unselfish support of others. It recognizes individuals who have given freely, cheerfully and selflessly in helping their peers and NSA-IL members. The award may be received more than once.

Previous recipients are Marge Hidalgo, M.J. Cross, Rick Jakle, Nick Carter, Mari Pat Varga , Deb Gauldin, Cyndi Maxey, Frank Bucaro, Michel Wynne and Rita Emmett (2002), Rita Emmett (2003), Kevin O'Connor (2004) and Cheryl Perlitz (2005).

The NSA-IL Board Members nominate for both of the following awards followed by the General Membership selecting the winner.

• Wordsmith Award

Previous Recipients are Arnold "Nick" Carter, Sam Lilly, Frank Bucaro, John Gorby, Greg Risberg, Joe O'Rourke, Kevin O'Connor, M.J. Cross, Jane Schuman, Jim Meisenheimer, Barbara Glanz, Michael Wynne, Pamela Meyer, Richard Thieme, John Blumberg, Mari Pat Varga, Bill Durkin, Joe Contrera and Jerry Black.

• Arnold "Nick" Carter Award

The "Arnold (Nick) Carter" Award is given to acknowledge one NSA-IL member's unrelenting enthusiasm and commitment to the speaking profession. The award also may be received only once.

The 2007 winner was Pat McWard.

Previous Recipients are Arnold "Nick" Carter, Joe O'Rourke, Rick Jakle, Kevin O'Connor, Lauren Harper Halden, Janelle Brittain, Jim Meisenheimer, Frank Bucaro, Brian Becker, Jerry Black, Christine Corelli, Lillian Bjorseth, Deb Gauldin, Cyndi Maxey, Christine Corelli, Char Wenc and Davis Fisher.

Pat McWard with Deb DiSandro