© Norm Barker, MA, MS RBP, FBCA
The highest honor in BCA is to be selected a Louis Schmidt Laureate. Named for a founder and the second president of the Association, this honor is bestowed "for outstanding contributions to the progress of biological communications." Symbols of the Schmidt Award include the BCA key inset with a diamond and the Gold Headed Cane – a traditional symbol in medicine of high achievement and honor. A committee of the nine most recent Schmidt laureates makes the selection of the recipient subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
As biocommunicators progress in their careers, the Association continues to honor their development of excellence. Fellowship in BCA is granted "for distinguished craftsmanship and meritorious contribution to the advancement of media in the life sciences." Over 200 people have been honored with the distinction of Fellow. Nominations may be directed to the Chair of the Fellowship Committee.
In honor of BCA's founding president, the Association has established the Ralph Creer Service Award. Recognizing those who have served the Association and its members with distinction, this award is given by BCA's President. Nominations may be directed to the BCA President.
Emeritus Membership in the BCA is an honor. It recognizes distinguished craftsmanship, professional achievements and meritorious contribution in the visual communications media in the life sciences and medicine. Nominee must be an active BCA member for not less than twenty years (does not have to be consecutive), attained the age of 55 and retired from the field of biocommunications. Nomination forms should be sent to office@bca.org attention Emeritus Chair.
