Gold Medal Award: Austin C. Kennell

Michael Sanders, grandson of Austin Kennell, and Mrs. Austin Kennell accept the Gold Medal Award for Austin Kennell.

Citation
You have promoted the American Rhododendron Society's goals at chapter, district, regional, national and international levels. You have established through your drive, inspiration, and visionary leadership both a people base and a financial base for the long-term growth and existence of our organization. Your accomplishments are many and include serving as chapter president, Society president, chairman of the Society's Honors Committee and Endowment Fund Committee and on the By-Laws Revision Committee. You were instrumental in locating the ARS archives at the University of Virginia's Alderman Library and in bringing the Rhododendron Society of Canada into the ARS. You have visited and spoken to many chapters. You have contributed over forty articles to the ARS Journal. For your dedication, foresight, and encouragement to all its members, the American Rhododendron Society takes pride in awarding the Gold Medal to Austin C. Kennell. Atlanta, Georgia, April 20, 2002.