The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is pleased to announce that the Kevin O’Donnell, Jr. Service Award will be presented to Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen in Chicago at the Palmer House Hotel. Comedian John Hodgman will emcee the ceremony on the evening of May 14.

Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen has spent several years heading the election committee, working to find suitable candidates for the SFWA Board of Directors.  His success is demonstrated by the number of candidates who have run for the board and the broad range of experience represented by the board members.  In addition to his duties as the head of the election committee, he has often volunteered his time to help SFWA staff tables at conferences and makes himself generally available when help has been needed.

The Kevin O’Donnell, Jr. Service to SFWA Award recognizes a member of SFWA who best exemplifies the ideal of service to his or her fellow members.  O’Donnell won the Service Award in 2005 the first time the Nebula Awards were presented in Chicago.

The Nebula Awards will be presented during the annual SFWA Nebula Conference, which will run from May 12-15 and feature a series of seminars and panel discussions on the craft and business of writing, SFWA’s annual business meeting, and receptions. 

The Nebula Awards recognize the best works of science fiction and fantasy published in the United States as selected by members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. The first Nebula Awards were presented in 1966.

In addition to the Nebula Awards, SFWA will present the Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation, the Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Young Adult Science Fiction or Fantasy Book, the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award, the Kevin O’Donnell, Jr. Service to SFWA Award, and the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award.

For more information please email pr@sfwa.org.