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The Perfect Storm for Aspen Award
03/20/09
Randal H. Storm, CCR, manager, Lincoln Christian College and Seminary Bookstore, Lincoln, IL, said he feels rejuvenated when he returns to his store each year after attending CAMEX.
He has even more pep to his step following CAMEX 2009 in Anaheim, where his contributions to NACS education for more than 20 years were recognized when he was presented with the 2009 Aspen Award.
"I'm stunned," said Storm. "It is truly an honor. As I shared in my acceptance speech, I never ever imagined that I would be considered for this award. I'm humbled to even have the opportunity to help facilitate NACS educational sessions."
NACS President Vicki Morris Benion, CCR, director, Bucknell University Bookstore, Lewisburg, PA, presents the Aspen Award to Randal H. Storm, CCR, manager, Lincoln Christian College and Seminary Bookstore, Lincoln, IL.
"I wanted to learn everything that I could about the college store industry and how it works," he noted. "I've been privileged to attend a lot of the NACS seminars and things over the years and try to soak up as much as I can. It just motivates me to pick up ideas and always come back."
Now, many in attendance spend their time learning from Storm.
"When I go, it's not simply to share things I know, but to drink from the knowledge of others out there," Storm said. "That's how one stays strong and growing."
NACS Director of Education Tony Ellis noted the high caliber of the nominees this year, and he was elated to be able to present Storm with the honor. Ellis shared some of the nomination letters he received for the Aspen Award, though the writers are kept confidential.
"Randy has been a strong proponent of industry education for all of the years that I have known him (far too many to admit in writing). He is an inspiring facilitator with a wonderful ability to capture—and to keep—the attention of a group. I honestly don't know how many sessions he has facilitated at this point but I know the number is very high. And on more than one occasion he has graciously stepped up at the last minute when another facilitator had to cancel.
"Randy is also a mentor to many. He always has time for his colleagues. He is a truly caring individual who guides people in the right direction without much fanfare. I can think of no other person in our industry, short of those who have already received this honor, who better personifies the attributes of the Aspen tree—strength, growth, perseverance, protection, and continuity."
Storm, again, was at a loss after hearing what others think of him and his efforts.
"I'm humbled. I consider them friends, peers, and mentors, too," he said. "Again, I'm just very honored."
This lifetime contribution award is named for the aspen tree. Aspen forests are many upgrowths of a single root system. They are rarely destroyed by wildfire and are actually invigorated by disruption. They provide filtered shade under which other plants can thrive, a place where wildlife can retreat, and add striking beauty to their surroundings in all seasons.
For being recognized as the Aspen Award recipient, Storm will have a personalized brick laid in his honor in the "Building for Education" section of the Capital Campaign area at NACS headquarters in Oberlin, OH. He will also receive a memento of the award to display in his home or office.
Previous Aspen Award recipients:
- 2008—Danny Key, CCR, director, Wingate University Bookstore, Wingate, NC
- 2007—Dennis A. Mekelburg, CCR, associate director, Arizona State University Bookstore, Tempe
- 2006—Terence Murphy, manager, Holyoke Community College Bookstore, Holyoke, MA
- 2005—Maria L. Murtagh, director, Student Store, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA
—Dan Pender
Sound Off!
Alex Aragon (swcbaoffice@cybermesa.com) 4/2/2009 11:50:38 PM
I was happy to see that Randall has been given this award. If anyone is deserving of this award it is Randall. As I am retired, I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Randall many years back. He was then as he is now a humble and helping individual. My congratulations to him and kudos to NACS for selecting him to receive this award.
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