Six modern day pioneers will be honored tonight at The Grand America Hotel.
The Days of '47 will honor six Utahns who show in some way that they are a pioneer in the field they are nominated for, according to Lynne Buckner, chairman of the Pioneers of Progress committee. Fellow Utahns nominated the recipients and the committee then selects the winners.
This year's winners include Renn Zaphiropoulos, Jack Brittain, Paul Holton, Crawford Gates, David Checketts, and Flip and Lois Harmon.
Buckner said the event gives citizens insights to creativity and small things to do. "We all think we have to do something big, and it's amazing to see how these (small) things grow," Buckner said.
Those who have demonstrated a vision for living their lives to benefit present and future generations will be recognized at 6:30 p,m,, with a dinner following thereafter. The public is invited to attend. Admission to the dinner is $45/plate.
The 2009 recipients are:
Science & Technology Development
Renn Zaphiropoulos
Zaphiropoulos' is recognized as a pioneer in the fields of engineering and physics, because of his scientific vision and technological contributions. He co-founded Versatec, a Xerox Corp., which has become the world's leading manufacturer of electrostatic printers and plotters. He also helped advance the development of color television and the first VacIon Ultra High Vacuum Pump. He holds 29 patents and has numerous publications and awards for technological advancements. An adjunct professor and trustee at Southern Utah University, Zaphiropoulos lectures at Ivy League colleges and sits on the Board of Directors for many high-tech companies.
Business & Enterprise
Jack Brittain, Ph.D.
Brittain embodies the pioneer values of industry and enterprise. He is the dean of the one of the world's top ranking business programs at the David Eccles School at the University of Utah. Many Utah jobs, aspiring entrepreneurs, promising new technologies, and cutting-edge research are supported through the numerous ventures he helped establish. Sitting on a multitude of non-profit boards, as the vice president of Technology Venture Development, and as a member of the Governor's Office of Economic Development Board, Brittain shows a strategic vision that focuses on turning good ideas into good business.
Education, Health, and Humanitarian Assistance
Paul Holton
Holton has shown pioneer-like courage and sacrifice by dedicating 39 years of service to the Army National Guard. After several tours of duty in South Korea and the Middle East, he founded Operation Give, a humanitarian organization that ships toys, medicine and educational supplies to children in war-torn nations throughout the world. Holton partnered with Families United Towards Universal Respect to co-sponsor a conference for a delegation of influential women in Iraq, and his wartime internet accounts and book "Saving Babylon" have encouraged many to catch his vision of the importance of reaching out and helping others in their quest for freedom.
Historic & Creative Arts
Crawford Gates
The artistic vision and creative expression of Gates qualifies him as a recipient. Former BYU professor, award-winning orchestra conductor, and acclaimed musician Gates has spent his life composing, arranging, conducting, and teaching. Some of his most notable works are the score for The Hill Cumorah Pageant and the production "Promised Valley" which commemorated the centennial of the arrival of the Utah pioneers. He was chair of the music department at BYU and helped design the Fine Arts Center.
Sportsmanship & Athletics
David Checketts
A pioneer as a sports entrepreneur and businessman Checketts believes in projects that add value in a community. With Utah's unique demographics and the state's demonstrated love for soccer, he envisioned creating a soccer culture that would, "…characterize the sport as a unifier of all cultures and hold sportsmanship and respect for the game in the highest regard." Drawing on his expertise in the sports arena, Checketts succeeded in bringing a professional soccer franchise to Utah and spearheaded the efforts to build a first-rate stadium to house Real Salt Lake as well as host a variety of concerts and other community events.
Legacy Award
Flip and Lois Harmon
The couple has devoted nearly 40 years of tireless service honoring Utah's pioneers. argely, because of their commitment, the memory of the early settlers has been kept alive. As president and board member of the Days of '47 Inc. the Harmons shared a vision of diversity and quality. They have demonstrated pioneering values of ingenuity and commitment, as they worked diligently to incorporate a wide variety of events involving a cross-section of cultural and religious organizations for Utah's 24th of July celebrations. heir voluntarism has impacted rodeo and riding associations, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and the LDS Regional Welfare Committee.
Buckner said the event gives citizens insights to creativity and small things to do. "We all think we have to do something big, and it's amazing to see how these (small) things grow," Buckner said.
e-mail: cneugebauer@desnews.com