Jacki Allender
Gary Whitman
Members of U.S. Masters Swimming don’t confine their participation to the pool. There are many volunteer opportunities for their talent, expertise, and generosity. USMS recognizes the commitment of those who give back with the Dorothy Donnelly Service Award, named to honor one of USMS’s outstanding volunteers. The award recognizes those whose contributions stand out in service to local, regional, and national programs. Up to 15 people are selected each year and nominations come from Local Masters Swimming Committees, clubs, and individuals.
Jacki Allender has been the Officials Chair of the Oregon LMSC for the last 12 years and has paced the pool decks as an official at eight USMS National Championship meets. Her selflessness has allowed meet organizers to know that officiating would be reliable, allowing them to concentrate on other issues in a swim meet.
In addition, Jacki has served as meet referee at both the 2008 and 2016 USMS Summer Nationals in Oregon. She also stepped up to work as Assistant Administrative Referee and Administrative Referee at the 2006 FINA World Masters championships and the 2013 Pan American Masters championships respectively.
Officiating at so many events involved many hours as a volunteer and to that, USMS is most grateful and honored to award Jacki Allender the 2016 Dorothy Donnelly Service Award.
USMS at all levels cannot function smoothly without the contributions of administrators like Oregon Masters Swimming Data Manager, Gary Whitman. In his unique Board position for over sixteen years, Gary has demonstrated what the ultimate long term volunteer can do for an organization.
Data Manager, Gary receives and processes all LMSC paper and online meet entries, solves all issues related to entries, provides the heat sheets to the meet directors, and frequently provides his services to run the meet manager software at the meets. His thorough review and verification of results is very much appreciated by meet directors and swimmers alike. As a Board member, Gary attends meetings to share his technical knowledge and expertise with those needing the help in software and database use.
USMS is honored to award Gary Whitman the 2016 Dorothy Donnelly Service Award.