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2011 Merit Awards Recipients Honored at Merit Member Conference

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May 19, 2011

ANN ARBOR – Merit Network is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011 Merit Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that have provided leadership in technology and assisted the Merit community. Award recipients were honored today at the conclusion of the 2011 Merit Member Conference.

“In our role of promoting the advancement of networking in Michigan, Merit seeks to identify and support organizations and individuals that help enhance networking, technology and collaboration,” said Don Welch, president and CEO of Merit Network. “Our awards program brings recognition to organizations and individuals that are particularly accomplished in this way, both to honor their achievements and to serve as an example and inspiration for others.”

The following recipients were selected for their significant accomplishments:
Kurt DeMaagd from MSU accepts a Merit Award at the 2011 Merit Member Conference
Merit Network’s Award for Innovation in Networking and Information Technology
Kurt DeMaagd, Michigan State University

Kurt DeMaagd is being honored for his role leading three Michigan State University projects that received Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) broadband stimulus awards to increase computer access and broadband access throughout Michigan. These three projects will expand broadband access in library computer centers in rural areas, create additional public computer centers in Michigan’s core urban areas, and stimulate broadband adoption by expanding knowledge and access to broadband in urban areas of Michigan. These projects will be instrumental in helping the rural libraries throughout Michigan jump into the 21st century. Kurt DeMaagd has worked closely with Merit to expand and extend his grant so that it is a living and sustaining project.

Merit Network’s Award for Community Building
Joseph “J.C.” Morris, Michigan Works!

J.C Morris was selected for this award because of his work with the communities in Hillsdale, Jackson, and Lenawee counties. J.C. has worked hard to encourage these county governments to join the Merit community and has proven to be an enthusiastic advocate for Merit as well as these important communities.

Meritorious Service Award
Patrick Gossman of Wayne State University accepts a Merit Award at 2011 Merit Member Conference
Patrick Gossman, Wayne State University

Patrick Gossman was chosen for this award due to his efforts as a Past (interim) Merit Board member from Wayne State University and his frequent participation as a speaker at the Merit Member Conference. Patrick has collaborated with Merit on a number of projects over the years and has been an ongoing advocate for community networking.

Mark Grunder, Alpena Community College

Mark was selected for this award due to his strong support of Merit and our mission. Mark has worked with the Alpena Consortium, participating as a member of panel discussions on community collaboration for potential members. Mark also joined Merit on a trip to Washington D.C. to elaborate on the opportunities that the REACH-3MC project offers to communities at a conference for The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition.

Angie Michelini, The Library Network

Merit is happy to honor Angie Michelini and her work with The Library Network. The Library Network, with Angie’s efforts continues to grow and expand their reach, providing excellent service to all 63 of their members. Angie is a champion of the organization and always holds Merit to the highest level. Her participation and enthusiasm with all that Merit does is always appreciated.

Merit is extremely grateful for the efforts of these individuals to advance technology, enhance collaboration and add value to the Merit community.

About Merit Network

Merit Network Inc., is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan’s public universities. Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, Michigan’s public universities created Merit as a shared resource to help meet their common need for networking assistance. Since its formation, Merit Network has remained at the forefront of research and education networking expertise and services. Merit provides high-performance networking and IT solutions to Michigan’s public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations.

For more information: www.merit.edu

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