The American Ornithological Society (AOS) is pleased to bestow the 2017 Marion Jenkinson Service Award on Dr. Erica H. Dunn, research scientist emeritus, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. Erica, known to all as Ricky, has a 50/40 record for our society: 50 years a member and 40 years of service. Ricky has worked tirelessly to advance the science of ornithology and to promote the effectiveness of ornithological societies and institutions in North America. She began her active leadership service to the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) in 1979, when she served as chair of the committee on “AOU and Amateurs,” and she continues service in this vein, chairing the Birds of North America Liaison Committee. She also has served on at least 14 other committees. In addition, she served as president from 2006 to 2008. Finally, Ricky is a go-to person whom we can always count on to think, first and foremost, about what is best for ornithological science and to make strategic recommendations that help guide our organization.
In recognition of her outstanding and diverse service to the AOS and earlier ornithological societies over the past four decades, we are proud to name Dr. Erica H. Dunn the recipient of the 2017 Marion Jenkinson Service Award. Congratulations, Ricky!
Award criteria. The Marion Jenkinson Service Award is given to an individual who has performed continued, extensive service to the AOS, including holding elected offices but emphasizing volunteered contributions and committee participation. The officers of the AOS select the awardee on behalf of the society. The award, consisting of an honorarium and framed certificate, honors Marion Jenkinson Mengel, a former treasurer of the AOU and Council member who gave generously of her time, her good humor, and her prodigious administrative expertise to the society. Marion's efforts given during her lifetime, and the significant bequest she left the AOU after her death, have together created a lasting legacy for the ornithological profession in the Americas.
