STC Celebrates Excellence

by Patrice Bernard

Many people assume that it is easy to write – reports, letters, blogs. For some it is true, and the evidence is obvious. For others, it is not so. A well written document is magical; easy to read and easy to understand no matter how complicated the subject. The reader’s eyes just flow across the words almost effortlessly. Isn’t that the craft of technical writing?

During Awards Night, held on the evening of April 6, 2010, the Society for Technical Communication Southwestern Ontario Chapter (STC – SOC) celebrated the excellence of the written word and the contributions made by students and writing professionals to the development and promotion of both the Society’s mission and our Chapter.

Three award categories were recognised during the wine and cheese gathering. Debbie Kerr (past President STC – SOC) and Fei Min Lorente (current President STC – SOC) presented certificates to the recipients.

From left to right: Alex Chortos, Arthur Churchyard, and Ushnish De

The first was the Heidi Thiessen Memorial University Student Award – named in memory of a devoted mentor of students and young writers, this recognition is awarded to a 3rd or 4th year student who submits a cover letter, writing samples and a record of academic achievement. A panel of judges chooses the top three entries.

First Place was awarded to Alex Chortos a 4th year Nanotechnology Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. Alex’s submissions were Modeling of Diffusion of Excitons Generated by Pulsed Laser Excitation in Titanium Dioxide Thin Film and Analysis of the Process of Measuring Electrical Properties of Silicon Nanocrystals Embedded in a Silicon Oxide Matrix. The judges remarked that “Alex did a commendable job of presenting a highly technical topic, while being constrained by standard scientific reporting methods.” Alex received $1,000.00, plus an STC Student Membership.

Second Place was awarded to Arthur Churchyard, a 4th year Biology and Environmental Studies student at the University of Guelph. Arthur’s submissions were entitled The sticky side of water and waste–water treatment and Video offers best practices for water controllers. The judges noted that “Arthur’s work was consistent with the requirements for a journalistic piece. Language was appropriate for the audience, and the material, especially in the first article, was well organized and engaging.” Arthur received $500.00, plus an STC Student Membership.

Third Place was awarded to Ushnish De, a 4th year Honours Computational Mathematics student at the University of Waterloo. Ushnish’s submissions were IReport for Reports and The Velocity System. The judges commented that “Ushnish’s piece on IReport did a good job of describing the work involved, and the procedures in particular are appropriately chunked and easy to follow.” Ushnish received $200.00, plus an STC Student Membership.

The second award category presented was the 2009/2010 STC Regional Technical Communication Competition recognising excellence in online communication and technical publications. This year STC Southwestern Ontario Chapter partnered with STC Toronto to judge and select the best entries.

Roxanne Eszes, a member of STC Southwestern Ontario Chapter, received an Award of Merit for her online tutorial entitled Segregated Funds E-Learning Course. The judges commented that “the test exercises are well designed.” Roxanne, owner of Learning Partner, develops online tutorials for the insurance and financial sectors. People successfully completing Roxanne’s tutorials receive continuous education credits toward the maintenance of their professional designations.

The third award category during the evening was the Distinguished Chapter Service Award which acknowledges the work of those Chapter members who repeatedly provide exemplary service to the Society through their activities. Lori Jankowski was recognised for her great service, her sense of professionalism, and her commitment to the Chapter during the past 8 years.

Lori has served on the STC-SOC council, in various roles, for almost as long as she has been a technical communicator. She has worked in a team of writers, as an independent contractor, and as a lone writer. As a former manager said, “she continually demonstrated a passion for communication and a genuine enthusiasm for delving into various technical issues with the goal of writing the clearest, most audience-friendly documentation possible, which she was regularly successful at accomplishing.” Lori currently works for North Plains Systems in Toronto, and in spite of the distance, continues to be a member of the STC-SOC.

Congratulations again to all recipients. It was a pleasure for me to attend the relaxed social gathering where I witnessed members renewing acquaintances, welcoming visitors and recognising writing excellence.