Utah Wins Branch of the Year

The Branch Challenge Award was presented to the Utah Branch because it met all of the criteria for participation and had the largest percent increase of national AALAS members.

These Branches were also recognized for qualifying: Arizona Branch, Central Ohio Branch, Florida Branch, Iowa Branch, Louisiana Branch, Orange County Branch, Southern Wisconsin Branch,and Three Rivers Branch.

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Congratulations to AALAS National Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2010 AALAS national award winners! They were honored at the Opening General Session on October 10 in Atlanta during AALAS' National Meeting:

Charles A. Griffin Award

William J. White

$2,500 honorarium

Nathan R. Brewer Scientific Achievement Award

Jean Nemzek

$2,000 honorarium

Joseph J. Garvey Award

Don Bradford

$2,000 honorarium

George R. Collins Award

Eileen Morgan

$2,000 honorarium

Pravin N. Bhatt Young Investigators Award

Diana Scorpio

$1,000 honorarium

Technician of the Year

Nicole Libal

$1,500 honorarium

Technician Publication Award

Dominic Montani

$500 honorarium

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New Educational Support for Branches

By Dr. Ann Turner, Executive Director

During the AALAS National Meeting in Atlanta, the Board of Trustees announced the establishment of the Ben Cohen Branch Educational Fund. This program honors one of the founding fathers of AALAS, Dr. Ben Cohen, who was committed to enhancing the training and education of all those who work in the laboratory animal science field. It is fitting that this fund was established to support educational programs offered through the AALAS branches.

Branches may apply for up to $1,000 per year for regular programming, and up to $5,000 for supplemental funding for large or special events in addition to the regular funding. Examples of eligible expenses include speaker’s fees, travel, and expenses; workshop/wet lab expenses; and local AREA (student) program expenses.

To be eligible to apply for financial support, the branch must meet these criteria:

• have at least 10 members who are AALAS national members;
• provide to the AALAS national office a list of current officers within 30 days of the election;
• provide a current membership roster, including contact information for members, to the AALAS national office by May 1;
• provide a current copy of their constitution and bylaws; and
• provide evidence of IRS tax-exempt status or evidence of IRS tax filing.

Compliant branches may submit to the national office (by mail or email, addressed to me) a request for funding to support qualified educational programs offered by the branch. Applications must include a letter of support from at least one Trustee from the applying branch’s district. Applications for regular funding (up to $1,000) must be received by the national office at least 60 days prior to the event. Applications for supplemental funding (up to $5,000) must be received approximately 6 weeks prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting preceding the event. Funding cannot be awarded retroactive to the event or program.

For questions about the Ben Cohen Branch Educational fund, contact me at the national office at ann.turner@aalas.org.

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