Purpose/Description
The purpose of the Spirit of ABC Award is to acknowledge extraordinary contributions to the friendliness of ABC.
The award recipient will be recognized at the annual conference with a plaque. This award is sponsored by the Association.
Eligibility Criteria
The award recognizes, on an extraordinary basis, 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.
Selection
When special circumstances warrant granting the Award, the Nominating Committee proposes candidates to the Board of Directors, which approves the award. Nominations are due by May 15 to D. Joel Whalen, Nominating Committee Chair.
Notification
The award winner will be notified approximately 90 days before the annual conference.
Winners of the Spirit of ABC Award in Memory of Bernadine P. Branchaw
| Winner | Institution | Year |
| Virginia Hemby |
Middle Tennessee State University | 2023 |
| Priscilla Rogers (posthumous) | University of Michigan | 2023 |
| Jacqueline Mayfield | Texas A&M International University | 2022 |
| Not Awarded | 2021 | |
| 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 | |