10/31/03

American Dietetic Association presents 2003 Medallion Awards to eight outstanding members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 31, 2003

Media contacts: Lori Ferme, Kelly Liebbe or Tom Ryan
800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4769 or 4894

CHICAGO - The American Dietetic Association will present its prestigious Medallion Award to eight ADA members in recognition of their outstanding service and leadership during ADA’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas.

ADA’s Medallion Awards, given each year since 1976, honor individuals who have shown dedication to the high standards of the dietetics profession through active participation, leadership and devotion to serving others in dietetics and allied health fields.

Thousands of the nation’s top nutrition researchers, registered dietitians and other industry leaders will attend ADA’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, which runs October 25-28. ADA Board members will present the Medallion Awards during the conference’s Honors Breakfast on October 26.

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Visit ADA at www.eatright.org. 

Following is the list of ADA’s 2003 Medallion Award winners.

Patricia Steinborn Anthony, MS, RD, Vevey, Switzerland, manager of HealthCare Nutrition Support Services at Nestec, Ltd. Anthony is recognized for her outstanding contribution to the field of nutrition support through her pioneering work with home enteral and parental nutrition consumers. Anthony has also been active at all levels of the dietetics profession and has held numerous leadership positions with ADA and other professional organizations.

Joseph M. Carlin, RD, Boston, Mass., regional nutritionist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging. Carlin is acknowledged for his expertise, passion and devotion to culinary history through his literary contributions and the establishment of the Food Heritage Press and for his leadership in gerontology and nutrition through his work in the development and delivery of nutrition programs for the aging. Carlin holds numerous national leadership positions in professional organizations.

Jean Minskoff Grant, MA, RD, New York, N.Y., president of Minskoff Grant Realty and Management Corporation. Grant is recognized for her contribution to the field of dietetics, working toward professional recognition of dietetics through state regulation and licensure at the district, state and national levels. Her outstanding leadership and vision were exemplified during her tenure on both the American Dietetic Association Foundation and American Dietetic Association Boards of Directors.

Carolyn Leontos, MS, RD, CDE, Las Vegas, Nev., nutrition specialist and professor at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Leontos is recognized for her contribution to the field of nutrition through her leadership in diabetes organizations and creating alliances with these organizations and ADA. Additionally, Leontos played an important role in the creation of ADA’s Nutrition Practice Guidelines for Type 1 and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Ellyn Luros-Elson, RD, Chatsworth, Calif., CEO and president of Computrition, Inc. Luros-Elson is recognized for her entrepreneurial leadership in dietetics in health-care settings and for her commitment to advancing the profession of dietetics through service in many professional organizations.

Catharine H. Powers, MS, RD, Seville, Ohio, food and nutrition consultant. Powers is recognized for her leadership in culinary arts as professor of nutrition and academic dean for curriculum and instruction at the Culinary Institute of America, as part of the development team for CIA’s cutting-edge St. Andrew’s Café health-focused menu and as the creator of the American Culinary Federation Certified Master Chef nutrition curriculum.

Erksine Smith, PhD, RD, University, Miss., chair and associate professor in the department of family and consumer services at the University of Mississippi. Smith is recognized for his contributions to ADA and the dietetics profession at the local, state and national levels for more than 30 years. In addition, Smith is cited for dedication to his students and colleagues as a faculty member, administrator and mentor.

Bonnie A. Spear, PhD, RD, LD, Birmingham, Ala., associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Alabama. Spear is recognized for her dedication to interdisciplinary care and nutrition services for adolescents. Her nationally recognized expertise in pediatric nutrition, particularly in adolescent nutrition, is exemplified by her numerous publications, frequent presentations at national meetings and involvement as a consultant to many national organizations.