Each year, the Construction Specifications Institute’s Awards Committee proudly judges 100’s of award nominations, and this year was no exception. While each nominee is worthy of recognition, only a few can be singled out as winners. Each of the winners was honored during the 52nd CSI Annual Convention, CONSTRUCT 2008, held in Las Vegas in June.
This year, Redwood Empire Chapter’s very own Bryan J.Varner, CSI, CCCA was the recipient of the very prestigious Andrew J. Drozda Memorial Academic Affairs Commendation. This award is presented to an individual that has made significant contributions to enhance the image and recognition of CSI, with one or more educational institutions offering construction-related curricula. Bryan was selected in recognition of his exemplary service to CSI in promoting the mission of CSI through his involvement with the Construction Management Certificate Program at Sonoma State University and with the Architectural Technology and Construction Management Programs at Santa Rosa Junior College.
The West Region was also much honored to have three of our members invested into Fellowship. Fellowship of one of the highest honors given by the Institute. Fellows are chosen by peers from those who have been members of the Institute for at least five years and have notably contributed to the advancement of construction technology; to the improvement of construction specifications; to education; or by service to the Institute. The 2008 Class of Fellows include Duane Michael Johnson, FCSI, CDT of the Sacramento Chapter, Jim Balboni, FCSI from the Monterey Bay Chapter, and Mary Schofield Nowee, FCSI, CCS, RA of the East-Bay Oakland Chapter.
Outstanding Chapter Commendations are presented to chapters that meet designated core and elective criteria. They can reach the Bronze Level after five years, Silver for ten years, Gold Level after twenty years and Platinum Level after thirty years. West Region Chapters to receive these awards include the San Diego Chapter – Bronze Class of 2008 Level, and the Los Angeles Chapter – Bronze Level.
Distinguished Membership is considered to be the most prestigious honor of the Institute. It is conferred to individuals who have performed distinguished service to the construction industry in the fields of activity related to the purposes of the Institute. This years 2008 Distinguished Member is Paul Edlund, FCSI, CCS, AIA. Mr. Edlund is an architectural specification consultant in Eugene Oregon, with more than 50 years of professional experience and 42 years of continuous service to CSI.
Some of the other awards presented at CONSTRUCT 2008 include the Distinguished Service Award to Gary Betts, FCSI, CCS; J. Norman Hunter Memorial Award to Walter Scarborough, CSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA; and the 2008 Michelangelo Award presented to M. Arthur Gensler, Jr., FAIA, FIIDS, RIBA in recognition of his lifetime of distinguished, innovative service to the design and construction industry, exhibiting excellence in creating and sustaining the built environment.
