Merwyn Croston, AIA who has been a member of our chapter since 1954 received the prestigious James R. Wooten Service Award. This award is awarded annually to the member who best exemplifies the characteristics of consistent and effective service in accomplishing the goals of the chapter. Merve has passed through the ranks of most board positions, has chaired and served on numerous committees through the years. Most recently, his accomplishments have been to chair the Continuing Education Committee and to co-chair and work on the AIA/AGC liaison committee which published the joint Construction Industry Practices Manual.

The Young Professional of the Year Award was presented to Barry Lemons, AIA. Having been a member for only a couple of years, Barry didn’t hesitate to become involved with the chapter activities. He immediately took the chairmanship of the Education Committee. In 1997 he chaired the Structures Exams and IDP committees, as well as served on the Convention Committee. Barry will be the Treasurer for AIAFW in 1998. This award is given to a young member for serving as a role model for young architects and associate members.

The Quality in Construction Award has been given only three times previously. This year, the awardee was SEDALCO, INC. The award was established to honor a person or group for their persistence in the search for quality and fine work, not simply competent execution; but work which comes from excellent judgment, dexterity and care in the process. Joe Smith, Vice President of SEDALCO, accepted the award for their company.

The President’s Award, established to recognize and honor a person or group for their support of the chapter, went this year to one of our own members. Chuck Nixon transferred to AIAFW in 1981 from Houston and has continually been involved in promoting not only our local chapter, but architecture in general to our community. He is actively involved in many civic organizations and promotes and encourages membership in AIA to his office interns and architects. Chuck has served on the AIAFW board, on numerous committees over the years, and most recently served as Chairman of the TSA Convention in Fort Worth. This convention broke records with 1800 attendees…1100 of these registered conventioneers.

Honorary AIAFW memberships were awarded to Preston M. "Pete" Geren, III and to Daniel Kauth. Honorary membership is one of the highest honors AIA Fort Worth can bestow upon a person outside the profession of architecture. It is given to a person of esteemed character who is otherwise ineligible for membership in AIAFW, but who has rendered distinguished service to the profession of architecture. There is no doubt that Pete and Daniel are deserving of this honor.

Suzie Adams, AIAFW Executive Director, was surprised with a salute of appreciation for her 25 years of service to AIAFW. Aubrey Hallum, Awards Chairman; Ray Wilson, chapter president; and Jason Adams, Associate AIA presented Suzie with a dozen yellow roses, a framed ‘25’ year plaque, and a special tee shirt signed by members of the chapter. During the state convention’s President’s Gala on October 25 at River Crest Country Club, Suzie recently received a certificate of appreciation for 25 years of service to Texas architects from the Texas Society of Architects.