ASPE announced a number of awards at its Biennial Banquet, Nov. 1, held in conjunction with its recent convention and expo in Phoenix:

George W. Runkle Award: This year, the recipient of the George W. Runkle Award was the late David Anelli, FASPE, former Region 3 Director. It was presented to Dave's wife Kathy and daughters Patricia, Amy, and Katie.

It is the highest award that ASPE bestows on any individual and named for the fourth president of ASPE who dedicated his life to the society. The award is given to an individual for dedication and inspired service to the advancement of the ideals and goals of ASPE.

Donald Dickerson Founders Award:  Michael Frankel, FASPE, received the honor, which is given biennially to one individual for lifetime achievements, dedication, and promotion of the society, its mission, and the profession.

Kenneth G. Wentink Award of Excellence: Douglas Nelson, PE, GPD, for his work with Team USA in several international Community Plumbing Challenge events. The award honors exemplary individuals who have worked unselfishly for and on behalf of the society, often with little fanfare and visibility.

Distinguished Service Awards: This year, ASPE's Board of Directors decided to present the award to two deserving members. First, William F. Hughes Jr., CPD, LEED AP, FASPE, received the award for his dedication and contributions to the society and the profession on both the national and chapter levels. Second, the late Timothy A. Smith, CPD, GPD, FASPE, received the award for his tireless work for the Chicago Chapter and as a member of the society board of directors. The award is given each year to an outstanding ASPE member for exceptional leadership and influential spirit

Award of Merit: Sarah Balz, PE, CPD, GPD, LEED AP for her work promoting Women of ASPE as the first chair of this group. The award is given to those individuals who have performed outstanding and meritorious service to the society and the profession.

Special Award of Appreciation: This year, the board elected to give four Special Awards of Appreciation. The first was to Judy Torres, CDT, for her commitment, service, and high level of excellence as a member of the Research Foundation and her chapter board of directors and for an unwavering desire to improve the health and safety of others around the world. The second went to Jonathan Ross for demonstrating continued commitment, service, and dedication to the growth and prosperity of the society as a chapter board of directors member. The third went to Sal Rachiele, who was instrumental in developing and hosting the first-ever Women of ASPE event. The last award was for Mark Tanner, CPD, who has shown relentless dedication to ASPE through his work on the Phoenix chapter board and various volunteer projects. ASPE's Special Award of Appreciation is presented for commitment to the society and advancing the profession.

Kenneth G. Wentink College of Fellows: Mitch Clemente, CPD, FASPE, Anthony Curiale, CPD, LEED AP, FASPE, Dan Fagan, PE, CPD, FASPE, Curtis A. Ray Jr., CPD, FASPE, and Rui Paul Silvestre, FASPE.

In other related news, ASPE presented Industry Awards to Watts Water Technologies and Zurn for outstanding service to the advancement of plumbing engineering technology. NSF International was recognized with two ASPE awards. First, Dann Holmes, business development manager at NSF International, was presented with the Peter Warshaw Award for his service on the society's behalf. Second, ASPE's Research Foundation presented NSF International with the Award of Scientific Achievement for years of research and the development of standards for clean drinking water. Finally, Philadelphia Chapter President Michael Panco presented an award to Rui Paul Silvestre, FASPE, in grateful appreciation of his commitment and dedication to the growth and prosperity of the society and the Philadelphia chapter and for maintaining the highest traditions and ideals of ASPE.