Service Awards

Vicki Funk
President's Award for Service, 2002
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Vicki Funk has been an enthusiastic contributor to the Society in many ways. Even though a botanist, she was active in SSZ and served as treasurer from 1995-1998; while treasurer, she worked to build up the endowment begun by Ernst Mayr. She was a council member in 1989 and 1996. When Vicki became President elect of SSB in 1998 and president in 1999, she created the idea of Trustees who would invest and grow the endowment and this was written into the Constitution. Vicki appointed Terry Yates as Chair, along with herself and Joel Cracraft as trustees. Vicki was again Treasurer of SSB from 2005-2006.  Vicki continued as trustee for many years until health considerations forced her to step down. As SSB president, Vicki created the idea that all presidents should choose a “mission” to help improve SSB.  Her mission was to extend the reach of SSB internationally and she worked with systematics societies in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to get this started. Her SSB Presidential lecture focused on the importance of training and supporting young systematists with an emphasis on field work.​