FEATURE: Minn to the Max
by Douglas Dow, Associate Fellow
To say I enjoyed myself in Minneapolis would be a mighty understatement, but before I get to the particulars it’s fitting that I thank and celebrate Mary McWilliams Johnson, Jackie Damrau, Dale Erickson, and the rest of the Best-of-Show “Technically Write” staff. I wish they all could experience the thrill of wearing a “Best of Show” tag in the presence of their peers and getting that wink or nod that means, “You’ve accomplished something meaningful.” Suddenly, you’re someone in this business. But it’s you, “you lot,” as Harry Potter might say, who deserve the recognition and the thanks.
I’ve attended STC conferences since 1992, basking in near anonymity, but this years’ in Minneapolis was quite different. It’s not that I didn’t try to evade the spotlight. Few at my Leadership Day sessions on community newsletters connected me with the Best-of-Show-winning “ Technically Write.” I had not yet received my much be-ribboned nametag, which proclaimed this to the world. Things changed, however, once I donned that nametag. Not only had I produced the STC’s top community newsletter, but I’d been honored as one of the STC’s newest Associate Fellows.
|
|
|
Editor, Doug Dow, with Winning Entry |
Doug’s “Dancing with the Stars” |
|
| Photos courtesy of Doug Dow | ||
The resulting smiles, handshakes, and words of congratulation began from that moment and lasted throughout the convention. Yet the fun was only beginning. For her hard work during the year for the Leadership Community Resource, Jackie Damrau received a mammoth plaque containing a citation longer than the Gettysburg address naming her Volunteer of the Year. The avalanche of Lone Star accolades was officially underway!
|
|
|
Jackie Damrau |
Dancing to the |
With Susan Burton |
| Photos courtesy of Doug Dow, Rachel Houghton (STC Willamette Chapter) | ||
It would have been better for my anonymity if I hadn’t danced with STC’s Executive Director, Susan Burton. It turns out that she’s a really fine dancer, so I took every opportunity. But it wasn’t the ribbons that caught everyone’s attention. It was… the shoes!
|
|
|
Beth presents Doug |
Doug with Mak Pandit |
Mark Hanigan and Linda Oestreich presenting Doug as New Associate Fellow |
| Photos courtesy of Doug Dow, Mel Haughton, Rachel Houghton (STC Willamette Chapter) | ||
Accepting Best of Show from Beth Bailey left me looking at her smiling face. Then, receiving Associate Fellow at the awards banquet…then, joining Mak onstage for India Chapter’s Distinction award, then turning on my heel to join the rest of the Lone Star contingent when Distinction, for the third year running, Distinction fell upon us once again.
|
|
|
Fellows in Fun |
Mak (Makarand Pandit) texts home news: Distinction again! |
Fox and Hound |
| Photos courtesy of Mel Haughton, Doug Dow | ||
People enjoying themselves to the hilt! And why not? As my friend Mak pointed out, everyone at my table won an award. It doesn’t get any better!
|
LSC Presidents embrace Distinction (MH) |
| Photo courtesy of Mel Haughton |
Oh, and there were technical sessions, too. One session on Simplified Technical English has been helpful in my current position. My group now references an international standard (ASD-100D) in response to the observation that our audience simply does not read English all that well. But that’s another story.
|
Lone Stars Gather in Distinction |
| Photo courtesy of Rachel Haughton, STC Willamette Chapter |
It was an unforgettable night. Thanks to all the people who helped make it happen.