For Immediate Release

ASQ awards ten medals of distinction

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 20, 2006 – The American Society for Quality (ASQ) presented ten medals of distinction during the world’s largest international conference on quality in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in May. The recipients were recognized for their innovative contributions and achievements at ASQ’s 2006 World Conference on Quality and Improvement. They are:

• Brumbaugh Award – Presented to Jeroen deMast and Albert Trip, senior consultants at the Institute for Business and Industrial Statistics, University of Amsterdam, and co-authors of the paper, “Gauge R & R Studies for Destructive Measurements in the Journal of Quality Technology.” The award is presented for the paper that has made the largest single contribution to the development of industrial application of quality control.

• Crosby Medal – Presented to Gregory H. Watson, president, Business Systems Solutions, Inc., of St. Petersburg, Fla., and author of Design for Six Sigma. This award goes to the individual who has authored a distinguished book contributing significantly to the extension of the philosophy and application of the principles, methods, or techniques of quality management.

• Feigenbaum Medal – Presented to Barbara J. Santiano, corporate quality manager, BUS-TECH, Inc., Burlington, Mass., “for her dedication and commitment to quality by providing quality education and serving as a positive role model to all.” This medal goes to an individual who is 35 years of age or younger, and who has displayed outstanding characteristics of leadership, professionalism, and potential in the field of quality and also whose work has been or will become of distinct benefit to humankind.

• Freund-Marquardt Medal – Presented to Edward G. Schilling, professor emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology, N.Y. “a recognized leader in writing precise, correct, and very clear quality management standards.” This medal is awarded to an individual who has applied quality principles to the development, implementation, and literature of management standards.

• Grant Medal – Presented to Dale H. Besterfield, principal, Besterfield & Associates, Fairview Heights, Ill., “in recognition of his outstanding contributions in developing graduate education in quality, conducting research and publishing important texts, and educating students and corporations in principles of quality.” The Grant Medal is given to the individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the development and presentation of a meritorious educational program in quality.

• Ishikawa Medal – Presented to Pekka Ala-Pietilä, former president, Nokia Mobile Phones, Helsinki, Finland, “for innovative leadership in the application of quality management principles and methods through his personal example of continuous learning.” This medal goes to an individual or team whose work has had a major positive impact on the human aspects of quality.

• Juran Medal – Presented to James R. Houghton, CEO, Corning, Inc., Corning, N.Y., “a visionary, thinker, mentor, change agent, distinguished leader who is persistent and passionate about quality, customers, and business performance.” The Juran Medal goes to the individual who exhibits distinguished performance in a sustained role as an organizational leader: personally practicing the key principles of quality and demonstrating breakthrough management.

• Lancaster Medal – Presented to Manu Vora, chairman and president, Business Excellence, Inc., Naperville, Ill., “for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions in educating, promoting, and writing about quality management principles and practices.” The Lancaster Medal is awarded to an individual recognized for dedication and outstanding contributions to the international fraternity of quality professionals.

• Shainin Medal – Presented to Nicholas L. Squeglia, retired, N.L. Sequeglia & Associates, Essex, Conn., “one of the most significant contributors to the effort to develop a set of practical, simple- to- use, economical zero- acceptance number sampling plans.” This medal is awarded for the development and application of creative or unique statistical approaches in the solving of problems related to the quality of products or services.

• Shewhart Medal – Awarded to Norman R. Draper, professor emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison, “for developing fundamental pioneer methodologies for modern quality control; for inspiring leadership in applying these technologies; for outstanding service to the profession; and for bridging the disciplines with excellent contributions, leadership and important practical research.” This medal is presented for technical leadership in the field of modern quality control, especially through the development of its theory, principles, and techniques.

For detailed information on ASQ and the awards, visit: www.asq.org and click on: What We Do, and then, ASQ Awards.

The American Society for Quality has been the world's leading authority on quality for 60 years. With more than 90,000 individual and organizational members, ASQ advances learning, improvement, and knowledge exchange to improve business results, and to create better workplaces and communities worldwide. ASQ has been the administrator of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award since 1991. Headquartered in Milwaukee, ASQ is a founding partner of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), a prominent quarterly economic indicator. ASQ produces the Quarterly Quality Report. Champion of the quality movement, ASQ offers technologies, concepts, tools, and training to professionals, practitioners, and everyday consumers, encouraging all to Make Good Great®.