<p>The purpose of this award is to recognize professional members of AAZK, in good standing in the association, for their day-to day professionalism within their facility. This includes participation in AAZK/AZA conservation projects, dedicating time to other facility-related projects or programs (BFR, conservation, wildlife education and individual breeding projects). Commitment and dedication to AAZK at a Committee or Chapter level enhances the nomination. The award was established in 1982 as a means of recognizing work done above and beyond the criteria of the Jean M. Hromadka Excellence in Animal Care Award. You must be a professional member of AAZK, Inc. in order to qualify.The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference.</p>

<h3>Qualifications</h3>
<ol>
    <li>The nominee must be a full-time keeper, professional AAZK member employed in any North American zoo, aquarium, or related facility.</li>
    <li>The nominee must have been employed at least three (3) years on a permanent basis at a zoo, aquarium, or related facility.</li>
    <li>Peers or colleagues must nominate the nominee. Zoo, aquarium or related facility personnel may submit other supporting nominations. The nominators need not be from the same institution.</li>
</ol>

<h3>Nomination Procedure</h3>
<ol>
    <li>List name, position, institution's name, address, phone and director, years of service in the field and the recommendation of a peer or colleague.</li>
    <li>List and <strong>document</strong> the outstanding achievements: AZA/AAZK Conservation project participation, exhibits, breeding, conservation, etc.</li>
    <li>The deadline for nominations is <strong>MAY 1st</strong> of each year.</li>
</ol>

<h3>Selection Procedure</h3>
<p>The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee.</p>

<p>The winner of the Lutz Ruhe Meritorious Achievement Award - AAZK Professional of the Year Award, receives a cash award in the amount of $750.00, endowed by a generous donation through the Lutz Ruhe Family Educational Trust for the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. The cash award is endowed by the Lutz Ruhe Trust primarily to aid winners in making travel and registration arrangements to attend the AAZK National Conference in the year of their award, to receive the award and be recognized in person at a gathering of their peers.</p>