The Sandy Kronick Distinguished Service Award
The Sandy Kronick Distinguished Service Award was established in 1994 to recognize professionals who demonstrate distinguished service in O&M through a long-term commitment to direct service. Named after Sandy Kronick due to his lifelong commitment and dedication to teaching O&M while continuing to be actively involved with numerous professional activities and committees.
History
The Sandy Kronick Distinguished Service Award was established in 1994 to recognize professionals who demonstrate distinguished service in O&M through a long-term commitment in direct service. The award was named after Sandy Kronick because of his lifelong commitment and dedication to teaching O&M to visually impaired people. He taught O&M in Oregon until his sudden death in May 1993. The first Sandy Kronick Distinguished Service Award was given to him posthumously and accepted by his wife, Bethanne Kronick, at the 1994 AER International Conference in Dallas. Sandy Kronick was chosen as the first recipient of this award because of his lifelong dedication to teaching Orientation and Mobility while continuing to be actively involved with numerous professional activities and committees.
Mr. Kronick was a very active member of AER, especially during his last ten years. He was instrumental in forming the Oregon AER Chapter and served as its president. He served on several international committees and had just completed his term as AER’s Northwest Regional Rehabilitation Representative at the time of his death.
The establishment of this award is a fitting tribute to Sandy Kronick and to all the O&M specialists who forego promotions or higher-paying career changes in order to continue doing what they know and love best, namely teach Orientation and Mobility. The award will be given only when a worthy recipient is determined.
Past Recipients of the Sandy Kronick Distinguished Service Award:
1994 Sandy Kronick, posthumously
1996 Kathleen Newman
1998 Richard Russo
2000 Lukas Franck
2002 William P. McCloskey
2004 Vince Fazzi
2006 Laura Park-Leach
2008 None
2010 Pat Zeinstra
2012 Gene Bourquin
2014 Lea Ann Myers and Tom Rotunno
2016 Marjorie Wood
2018 Chris Tabb
2020 Rod Haneline
2022 Susan Langendonk
2024 Not Awarded