Merit Awards Recipients Honored at Merit Member Conference

Merit Network's Award for Innovation in Networking and Information Technology

Jeff Gray and Cathy Green, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) has made a dedicated effort to use technology and networking for its educational and scientific work. Thunder Bay NMS has consistently sought opportunities to enhance its educational programs using telepresence, connecting to other marine sanctuaries and research organizations to bring in remote programs and to share its own resources. It has embraced Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) technology both as a scientific instrument and as an educational tool. As a further indication of its commitment to network-based interaction, the sanctuary has helped ensure its long-term access to plentiful bandwidth by participating in the Alpena Regional Fiber Consortium, a forward-looking community networking project.

Merit Network's Award for Community Building

Vicky Kropp, Alpena Community College

Vicky Kropp has made an ongoing commitment to building the Alpena Regional Fiber Consortium. This significant accomplishment has made a real difference to the Alpena community and to the many organizations served by the Consortium's fiber. Forming the Consortium, inviting participation, and following through with the many technical and policy issues required a significant investment in time, energy and faith. Vicki deserves hearty praise for seeing the project through to its successful implementation. Alpena Regional Fiber Consortium is a success story that Merit often refers to in advising and encouraging other such efforts throughout Michigan.

Meritorious Service Award

Eric Grandstaff, North Central Michigan College

Eric Grandstaff has made an ongoing commitment to Merit's mission and success. He has been a long-time attendee and presenter at MJTS meetings and other gatherings and is a well-known advisor to many in the Merit community. Eric is known for his active investigation of cutting-edge network-based services and for sharing his findings with others. He has publicly advocated Merit as an institution and directed several organizations to Merit to discuss services, consistently expressing his support and endorsement. These ongoing contributions have raised awareness about the value of networking, spread knowledge of Merit's mission, and helped grow the Merit community.

Jim Lundberg, Bay College

Jim Lundberg has invested his time, talent, and energy for the betterment of Merit and its membership. He has served as a member and chair of the Merit Advisory Council, enhancing this important source of feedback to Merit and providing leadership within the community. Jim has been a long-time participant in Merit's Member gatherings and is well known as an innovator and technical leader. Recently, he worked within the Escanaba community to bring together local leaders to discuss options for a community fiber initiative. These significant contributions have helped Merit to build a vibrant community and to make informed choices to benefit our Membership.

Mark Strandskov, Central Michigan University

Mark Strandskov has made a dedicated commitment to Merit's technical success and the engagement of the Merit community. He has been a long-time attendee and presenter at MJTS meetings and other Merit gatherings, generously sharing his technical expertise and experience. Mark has served as chair of the MOST group, and is a trusted advisor to many Merit staff members and to technical staff at other Member organizations. He has worked directly with Merit operations and engineering staff on our evolving connections to the CMU campus, and assisted continuously with the implementation of Blue Line fiber links to Mt. Pleasant. These significant contributions have enhanced Merit's effectiveness and improved our ability to provide valuable services.