Bernadine P. Branchaw Spirit of ABC Award

Purpose/Description

The award recognizes exceptional members of ABC who exemplify friendliness and openness to both newcomers and current members. This member’s spirit of friendliness shows a genuine appreciation to all individuals who attend ABC activities. This award may not be given every year.

The award recipient will be recognized at the ABC Annual International Conference with a plaque. This award is sponsored by the Association.

Eligibility Criteria

All ABC members are eligible.

Selection

When special circumstances warrant granting the Award, the Nominating Committee evaluates nominations, selects the candidate, and submits the suggested recipient, along with supporting rationale, to the Board of Directors for approval. 

If no nominee fulfills the award criteria within a given year, the committee may choose not to select a winner.

Notification

The award winner will be notified by the Executive Director or designee at least 90 days before the ABC Annual International Conference. The winner must submit a photograph to be used in the award presentation.

Winners of the Bernadine P. Branchaw Spirit of ABC Award 

Winner Institution Year
Annelise Ly NHH, Bergen, Norway 2025
Kristen Wilson
Eastern Kentucky University 2024
Virginia Hemby
Middle Tennessee State University 2023
Priscilla Rogers (posthumous) University of Michigan 2023
Jacqueline Mayfield Texas A&M International University 2022
Jacquelyn Lowman University of Maine at Presque Isle 2020
Marsha Bayless
Stephen F. Austin State University 2019
Maryann Wysor & Andy Wysor Georgia State University & U.S. Army 2018
Gail Cruise University of Massachusetts Amherst 2017
Kathryn Rybka University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2016
Geert Jacobs Ghent University 2015
Donna Kienzler Iowa State University 2014
Jean Bush-Bacelis  Eastern Michigan University 2013
Marilyn Dyrud Oregon Institute of Technology 2012
Marcel Robles Eastern Kentucky University 2011
Mary Ellen Guffey  Los Angeles Pierce College 2010
Gina Poncini University of Milan 2008
Hiromitsu Hayashida Chuo University 2006
Carol Roever Missouri Western State University 2005
Barbara Shwom  Northwestern University 2004
Bernadine P. Branchaw Western Michigan University
Margaret McLaren University of Waikato