2010 Awardees

On August 25th, 2010, the AUVSI Foundation recognized the work of five individuals whose extraordinary work is advancing the unmanned systems industry.  The Foundation was proud to award the following:

AUVSI Member of the Year Award - Joe Gibbs, Northwest UAV Propulsion Systems/AUVSI Cascades Chapter
This award recognizes an exceptionally dedicated AUVSI member who has made a significant contribution to the goals and objectives of AUVSI. Whether through industry innovation or member recruitment, the recipient has demonstrated his/her commitment to advancing unmanned systems through the promotion of AUVSI's programs and member services in support of the unmanned systems community.

Academic Champion Award - Dr. Arthur Reyes, University of Texas at Arlington (awarded posthumously)
The Academic Champion Award honors an individual or institution whose activities encourage students’ interests in the area of robotics and provides them with opportunities for hands-on experience developing robotic technology.

Outstanding Contributor Award - RADM William E. Shannon, USN PEO(U&W)
This award recognizes an AUVSI member who plays a pivotal role in the advancement of unmanned vehicle systems through promoting innovative ideas, creating new concepts, directing programs or being directly involved in unmanned vehicle systems development and operation. The recipient should be a leader in his/her industry and be dedicated to the promotion of unmanned technologies.

Pioneer Award - Frank Pace, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
This award distinguishes an AUVSI member or nonmember whose innovative ideas and ground-breaking research have contributed to the development of outstanding unmanned systems. The recipient’s dedication to the advancement of unmanned systems is evident through his/her perseverance from the initial concept and design, through advanced testing and production, to the final delivery phase.

Operations Award - MSGT Donny Nickle, USAF, US Air Forces Special Operations Command
This award distinguishes an AUVSI member or nonmember directly involved in the testing, evaluation and/or operational deployment of unmanned systems. Through directing operations for test programs or mission accomplishments and maintenance, the recipient should have an expertise in unmanned systems hardware such as vehicles, propulsion systems, guidance/control, electro-optics and launch and support equipment.