William “Bill” McKinley, Associate Dean of Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill., has been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers' (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. The announcement was made on July 5 during the Institute’s 2010 Awards Ceremonies held in conjunction with its 2010 National Symposium in Boston.
Bill’s continued support of the floral industry through his commitment to floral education is what deemed him worthy of this award which is presented to AIFD members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry. “I am very honored to receive this award. I believe education is the key to supporting, improving and advancing our great floral industry,” he exclaimed.
McKinley is the 33rd individual to be honored with this award. Below is a list of past winners.
AIFD was established in 1965 and is dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. It is the floral industry's leading nonprofit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With over 1,300 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.
The 2011 National Symposium will be held in San Francisco July 3-7.
Past Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry Winners:
Rene Van Rems 2009
Talmage McLaurin AIFD 2008
Cathy Rulloda AIFD and Phil Rulloda AIFD 2007
Rich Salvaggio AIFD 2006
Carol Caggiano AIFD 2005
Kirk Pamper AIFD 2005
Jim Marvin AIFD 2004
Marie Ackerman AIFD 2003
Mary Lee Evans AIFD 2002
Johnny Childers AIFD 2001
Joseph E. Smith AIFD 2000
Jim Johnson AIFD 1999
James Hynd, Jr. AIFD 1998
Eulalah Overmeyer AIFD 1996
Bobbi Ecker Blatchford AIFD 1997
Arthur Ito AIFD 1995
Thomas Powell AIFD 1993
Rocky Pollitz AIFD 1992
Jim Morley AIFD 1991
Jean Williams AIFD (deceased) 1990
Jennie Lee Irey AIFD 1990
Betty Deprez AIFD (deceased) 1990
Joyce & Dean White AIFD 1989
Haskell Eargle AIFD 1986
Frankie Shelton AIFD 1985
Frank Joyce AIFD (deceased) 1984
Jim Moretz AIFD 1989
Michael Polychrones AIFD 1987
Haskell Eargle AIFD 1986
Frank Joyce AIFD (deceased) 1984
William Kistler AIFD (deceased) 1978
M. Buddy Benz AIFD (deceased) 1978
Source: American Institute of Floral Designers