Think about it — who has influenced you professionally? Who has helped you achieve greatness?

USITT and the Wally Russell Foundation encourage you to nominate the one who has influenced you most for the 2018 Wally Russell Award.

The Wally Russell Mentoring Award is presented by USITT in partnership with the Wally Russell Foundation to honor someone who embodies the guiding hand that Wally Russell provided to many young professionals.

“Receiving the Wally Russell Award was very unexpected,” said Ellen Douglas Schlaefer, 2017 Wally Russell Mentoring Award Winner. “To say it was a humbling experience only begins to capture my feelings … such an honor!”

The winner will be recognized at USITT19 in Louisville, Ky, and will share the stage as well as stories, advice, and conversation with the Distinguished Achievement Award winners during the popular DAAs in conversation panel.

To be nominated, the individual must meet these qualifications:

  • The person must work primarily outside of the academic world
  • The mentoring happened in a professional setting (theatre, business, manufacturing, etc)
  • The person inspired you to fulfill your potential and to pass on that idea of inspiration to others

Nominations for the award will open Oct. 15.

This award is possible through The Wally Russell Foundation, Philips Strand Lighting, and IA Stage.