Corrections_Today_May_June_2019

Award Winners

The Innovations in Corrections Award The 2019 Innovations in Corrections Award was awarded to the Insight Gardening Program (IGP), an environmental literacy program for inmates that provides re-entry career preparation and allows individuals to connect with their communities through gardening and landscaping. Beth Waitkus, executive director of IGP, and Kevin Orme, executive director of the Indiana Department of Corrections, accepted the award on behalf of their respective organizations. Waitkus noted that “It’s the willingness of states, like Indiana, to think outside of the box and partner with a nonprofit like ours as co-leaders and innovators to reduce ongoing cycles of incarceration, create safer communities and promote environmental responsibility and sustainability.” ACA Annual Luncheon After eating a delicious meal, conference- goers were treated to an entertaining keynote speech by comedian Kent Rader. Following his speech, the Medal of Valor, Award of Merit, Peter P. Lejins Research Award, and Community Service awards were presented.

Beth Waitkus and Kevin Orme accept the Innovations in Correction Award on behalf of their respective organizations.

The Peter P. Lejins Research Award Dr. Mark D. Cunningham’s work as a clinical and forensic psychologist and an independent research scientist is a staple in corrections-related academia. In addition to receiving numerous awards for his research, his work has been cited more than 1,200 times. For his contributions in the field, he was awarded the Peter P. Lejins Research Award, in honor of past ACA President Emeritus Peter P. Lejins, an award that honors an individual who has made significant contributions to correctional research. In receiving the award, Dr. Cunningham shared the honor with Dr. John Sorensen, co-author and co-investigator on most of the research that he has published. In closing, he noted that “None of us achieve or contribute independently, all of us rest on the support of those who love us and I’m appreciative of those people being present here today for me.”

2019 Winter Conference

Dr. Mark D. Cunningham accepts the Peter P. Leijins Research Award for his contributions to correctional research.

48 — May/June 2019 Corrections Today

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