Each year, the SDIPLA recognizes one professional to give this award to.

Past recipients include:
[blockquote] Andrew Viterbi-2003
Ivor Royston-2004
Howard Birndorf-2004
Larry Maxham-2005
Dr. Drew Senyei-2006
Honorable Rudi M. Brewster-2007
Dr. Wong-Staal – 2008
Dr. William L. Respess – 2009
Duane Roth – 2010 [/blockquote]