CSD's Lisa Fowler Honored

From: CSD - Jun 13, 2006

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Release Date: June 12, 2006
Contact: Rick Norris
CSD Communications Office
rnorris@c-s-d.org

Lisa Fowler Honored for Dedication to Interpreting

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Lisa Fowler, CSD director of interpreting operations, has been named the 2006-07 recipient of the South Dakota Interpreters Association’s (SDIA) John L. Buckmaster Award.

The honor is bestowed upon an interpreter who has contributed to their field in South Dakota, is dedicated to continued professional growth and learning, and demonstrates commitment not only to the field of interpreting but also to the deaf and hard of hearing community. She was nominated by several of her co-workers.

“(Fowler) is tirelessly dedicated to striving for quality and excellence in the interpreting profession, and, most importantly, for the consumers that we serve,” they said in their nomination letter. “Her perseverance, ingenuity and diligence are all reasons why she should be this year’s ... recipient.”

The nomination noted that — in addition to being involved in the management and day-to-day operations of both community and video interpreting at CSD — Fowler has worked as an interpreter in South Dakota for over 15 years and been very active in the interpreting community as a member and officer of various interpreting associations.

Fowler served on the South Dakota Interpreter Certification panel for many years, and she recently testified to the South Dakota Legislature on behalf of the state’s interpreters to help pass HB 1248, which will allow South Dakota to remain ahead of the curve in certification requirements.

Her nominators also pointed out that has worked diligently with her team to transition the two-year interpreter training program previously offered by a local technical school into a four-year program at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, to ensure that South Dakota is keeping pace with national professional standards.

Presented by the SDIA, the award was established by Ann Munce, CSD senior citizens outreach specialist/interpreter, in honor of the late Buckmaster and his dedication to the interpreting community in South Dakota. Munce said she wanted to keep his dream alive.

“(He) was a very strong advocate of not only the deaf community but also the interpreters,” said Munce. “He was a strong believer in continuing education (and) training for interpreters.”

Buckmaster served as the first co-president of South Dakota Interpreters Network Coaltion — along with Robin Hoffkamp — and he remained involved in that organization until his death.

“It comes as no surprise that (Fowler) is receiving this award,” said Benjamin Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. “She exemplifies the values that Buckmaster, himself, held dear. Just as he could not sit back and merely accept the status quo, she is always looking for ways to make our interpreting services — which are already outstanding — even better.”

Award recipients receive a free one-year membership to SDIA and a one-year fee waiver for all SDIA-sponsored workshops, as well the addition of her/his name to a plaque in the South Dakota Deaf Cultural Heritage Museum, located in CSD’s Sioux Falls field office at 3520 Gateway Lane.

Past award recipients include Joyce Levsen, 2005-06; Cathy Strand, 2004-05; Heather Konz, 2002-03; Munce, 2001-02; Jennie Claus, 2000-2001; and Amanda Starzl, 1999-2000.

About CSD – CSD is a private, nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services, ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing people and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit www.c-s-d.org.

-30-

* CSD ~ An Official Sponsor of the 2007 Winter Deaflympics