The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a member who has made remarkable contributions to ASCLS and the laboratory field, and who, by outstanding example, has inspired others. Nominees for the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award were: Judy Davis, Tennessee; Kathleen Finnegan, New York; Paula Garrott, Illinois; and Linda Goossen, Michigan.
The Lifetime Achievement Award winner for 2018 was Paula Garrott, who was recognized at the ASCLS Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony in Chicago, a fitting place for the member from Illinois.
In her letter of nomination, her nominator wrote, “Beginning in her early days as a member of ASCLS in 1976, she has been a regular face at local, state, regional, and national meetings. She has been vocal and steadfast about the need for professional licensure. She has served in leadership at every level within the organization—local, state, regional, and national. She has also served tirelessly in other positions, including serving as committee members/chairs and task force members. She has represented ASCLS and the laboratory profession to many affiliated organizations, including the ASCP-BOC (American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification), CCCLW (Coordinating Council on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce), NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science), and IFBLS (International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science). This member has been the recipient of numerous accolades during her professional career. She best emulates what ASCLS looks for in a lifelong member: She has remarkable strength of character, she puts in immense effort into her work, she is widely recognized as a laboratory expert within the field, and is a strong advocate for the profession to those on the outside. I can think of no one more deserving to receive the 2018 ASCLS Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Congratulations, Paula!
It is not too soon to start thinking of nominating a worthy candidate for the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. The deadline is February 15, and it can take time to gather the information required in the application. Visit Awards and Scholarships for details.