Ronald L. Becker Award

The Ronald L. Becker Award is named in honor of Ron Becker, a founding member of MARAC. This award aims to promote professional development among new professionals within the MARAC region.

The annual award of up to $1,500 would be used for costs associated with professional development, including:

  • Conference expenses – including membership, registration, flights, lodging, meals, gas mileage, etc. for any professional organization, not just MARAC
  • Editorial services/fees for article, journal, or book submissions
  • Continuing education course(s) or certification(s), either online or in person, for any educational opportunity that the candidate relates to their professional goals

MARAC anticipates presenting this award beginning in spring 2025. Information on eligibility and application procedures will be available this fall.

For over forty years, Ron was a very active MARAC member and leader.  He was MARAC Chair, a New Jersey caucus representative, editor of The Mid-Atlantic Archivist. After 43 years as an archivist, Ron retired in 2016. He continues to advocate for archives students and new professionals and participated in an oral history project for MARAC's 50th anniversary. 

MARAC welcomes financial support for this award. Through your support, you are not just contributing to the growth of the award winners but also to the overall advancement of the archival field. Your contribution, no matter the size, is a testament to your belief in the potential of these new professionals and your commitment to the growth of the archival field. You can make a one-time, tax-deductible donation or a sustaining contribution through your membership renewal form or the MARAC Donation Form. Please select “Archival Education Fund” and then indicate in the additional instructions that it is for the Becker Award.

For questions about the award, please contact Kira A. Dietz, Awards Committee Chair, at [email protected].