WASHINGTON-The Personal Communications Industry Association Foundation on Tuesday night gave its Eugene C. Bowler Award to Dale Hatfield, chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology.
“You cannot separate Dale’s passion for technology from his desire to help people,” said William Kennard, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, in presenting the award. Later Kennard said to Hatfield, “You have taught us so much about public service. You have taught us so much about humility.”
The Bowler Award is given annually in memory of Eugene Bowler, who died in 1985 at the age of 39. The Bowler award “strives to keep Gene’s memory alive by recognizing individuals who exemplify his commitment to excellence in public service,” according to the PCIA Foundation.
Hatfield returned to public service in 1997 after running his own consulting business in Colorado for 15 years.
In addition to Kennard’s remarks, FCC Commissioners Susan Ness and Harold Furchtgott-Roth also lauded Hatfield. It was the first time that additional commissioners had requested to speak about the award winner, said PCIA President Jay Kitchen. FCC Commissioner Michael Powell attended the dinner but had to leave before the award was presented. Commissioner Gloria Tristani was traveling and unable to attend.
In addition to the Bowler award, the PCIA Foundation gave its Lifetime Achievement Award to Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.), chairman of the Senate communications subcommittee.
The Foundation also awarded nine scholarships valued at more than $165,000 to the following students:
Jiun Siew of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Ozgur Oyman of Cornell University
Sean Palka of Marymount University
Erin Wright of Sweet Briar College
Bryan Foss of Washington State University
Jonathan Zepp and Michael Paul of Boston University School of Law
Carissa Myers and John Calixto of Southern Methodist University
