Awards

Each year our Member and Technician of the Year award winners receive a uniquely Arizona award at the Holiday Installation in December, and one of 3 choices:

• Primary registration (at early registration national member rate - workshops not included) and transportation (standard airfare) paid to the next AALAS meeting held within District 8 within the following calendar year – www.d8aalas.org 

• Gold national AALAS membership (currently a $190 value) – for more information see: https://www.aalas.org/membership/individual 

• $100 cash award

They are also inscribed on our perpetual award plaques

The Grace Aranda Member of the Year Award

Winners of this award encourage active participation within the branch; works diligently to meet deadlines regardless of other daily obligations; volunteers to assist fellow members and provide support when needed.  They promote education through meeting attendance and believe in active membership in the branch. 

They take measures to encourage animal welfare in research and actively participate in branch and national organizations for continuing education.  They may present papers and posters at meetings or write articles.  They have received awards to recognize exceptional contributions to the field of laboratory animal science along with active participation in community education and support and nominate others as well.

If you know a current AZAALAS member who meets this description, nominate them today!
Judging happens in October and winners are announced at the December Holiday Installation

Our Past Member of the Year Winners:

			Thania Haviland - 2022	Grace Aranda - 2021	Stephanie Bybee-Gonzalez - 2020
Lierin Cox - 2019	Tim Martin - 2018	​Tom Greene - 2017	Grace Aranda - 2016	Pam Bortz - 2015	Cindy Madura - 2014​
David Lopez - 2013	April Wagner  - 2012	Grace Aranda - 2011	Tim Martin - 2010	Chrystal Redding - 2009	Grace Aranda - 2008
Grace Aranda - 2007	Chrystal Redding  - 2006	Grace Aranda - 2005	Grace Aranda - 2004	Andi Mitchell - 2003	Grace Aranda - 2002
Grace Aranda - 2001	Stephanie Munger - 2000	Grace Aranda - 1999	April Kern - 1998	Grace Aranda - 1997	Jane Criswell - 1996
Louise Brooks - 1995	Tim Martin - 1994	Grace Aranda - 1993	Jose Orozco - 1992	Casey Kilcullen - 1991	Grace Aranda - 1990

The Stuart Houston Technician of the Year Award

Nominees for the Technician of the Year award must demonstrate a positive attitude and a dedicated approach to the betterment of animal care through technical performance and education at your facility.

Individual accomplishments may include:

• Demonstrates a positive attitude and dedicated approach to the betterment of animal care through technical performance and education;
• Participates in the AALAS Certification process;
• Assists in training of fellow technicians;
• Promotes and participates in continuing animal care related education;
• Suggests ideas to alleviate animal distress, enhance facility management, and decrease animal numbers
• Exceptional accomplishments may include:
• Measures to encourage animal welfare in research, active participation in the local and national organizations for continued education, any paper presentation, articles or awards received to recognize exceptional contributions to the field of laboratory animal science along with active participation in community education and support.
• Demonstrates devotion in personal time to assist in organization of programs, workshops, and other functions provided by the branch. 
• Encourages active participation within the branch, works diligently to meet deadlines, regardless of other daily obligations. 
• Volunteers to assist fellow members and provide support when needed.
• Seeks education through meeting attendance along with active membership in the branch are viewed important for continued growth in the field of laboratory animal science.

If you know a current AZAALAS member who meets this description, nominate them today!
Judging happens in October and winners are announced at the December Holiday Installation

Our Past Technician of the Year Winners:

					Andra Doherty - 2022
Nicole Johnson 2021	Amanda Repka 2020	Trent Bryfogle 2019	Courtney Wammack-Mitchell 2018	Lierin Cox 2017	Susan Neil-Eastwood  2016
Eilene Janke - 2015	Mark Lindholm - 2014	Mike Comroe - 2013	Sandra Schenone  2012	Eric Tolotti 2011	Kahrin Romer  - 2010
Tom Greene - 2009	Cindy Madura - 2008	Barbara McNally - 2007	Dustin McAndrew - 2006	Rebecca Hyzer - 2005	Dana Jansen 2004
April Wagner - 2003	Larry "Skip" Moe  - 2002	April Wagner - 2001	Kathy Stollberg - 2000	Jose Padilla - 1999	Jessie Loganbill - 1998
Vangie Patula - 1997	Leigh Kleinert - 1996	Cindy Richner - 1995	David Williams - 1994	Cheryl Johnson - 1993	Kathy Stollberg - 1992
Kathy Aprahamian - 1991	Vangie Patula - 1990	Louise Brooks - 1989	William Schechner  - 1988	Peggy Kundrat - 1987

Lab Products Animal Technician Award:

This program is designed to reward a deserving animal care technician from each of the 8 AALAS Districts and Canada with the opportunity to attend their first National AALAS Meeting. The award is limited to animal care personnel, with at least one year of laboratory animal care experience, that have never attended a National AALAS Meeting.

The District 8 Ron Orta Humanitarian Award:

Established in memory of a compassionate man who devoted his life to the furtherance of laboratory animal science, the Ron Orta Humanitarian Award is awarded each year to the professional who exhibit extraordinary compassion towards their peers; displays a spirit of cooperation and involvement in the activities of their local community; and, participates in continuing education, either as an educator or student in the field of laboratory animal science. See D8 award page for more information on nominations and winners.

Grace Aranda was the first recipient of this great honor sponsored by Allentown Inc in remembrance of our good friend Ron Orta.  The award was presented April 23, 2008 at the District 8 Meeting in Seattle, WA.

National AALAS Technician of the Year: 

The Technician of the Year Award recognizes an individual for their accomplishment and contribution to the promotion of laboratory animal care.  Nominees have primary responsibility for feeding, handling, and/or care of laboratory animals.  The award promotes the laboratory animal technician as an integral member of a research team and encourages continuing education. Nominees for this award are often individuals who have received the Technician or Technologist of the Year Award from their local branch.