Thursday, April 15, is the deadline for nominations in the Pioneer of Progress Awards, a significant part of the annual Days of '47 celebration.
The awards are granted to Utahns in recognition of their modern-day pioneering achievements. Nominations are open to the public. To obtain a nomination form, contact the Days of '47 organization by calling 582-3343.Awards are given in the following categories: Scientific and technology development; education, health and welfare; creative arts; athletics; and posthumous legacy.
Recipients are honored at the annual Days of '47 luncheon on July 24. Filmed biographies of each winner are prepared and broadcast by Fox News, Channel 13. Additional recognition is given in a permanent display in the state Capitol.
Past recipients include President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Utah Jazz head Coach Jerry Sloan; Jazz forward Karl Malone; the late Keith Engar, a teacher, actor and writer with the University of Utah Pioneer Memorial Theater; Ruth Hale, a 90-year-old thespian and a founder of Hale Centre Theatre; Dinish C. Patel, founder of TheraTech Inc., a company that produces advanced controlled-release drug delivery products; Dr. Homer R. Warner, a pioneer in computerized medicine and former professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine; and the late Philo T. Farnsworth, who was honored in 1996 for his pioneering work in television.