Alexander A. Sawchuk, a professor of electrical engineering in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and deputy director of USC’s Integrated Media Systems Center, has been awarded this year’s Distinguished Service Award by the Optical Society of America (OSA).

The award, honoring outstanding service to the optical community, was presented to Sawchuk for 23 years of dedicated efforts on behalf of OSA, including vital contributions to publications, meetings, international relations and general governance.

"Optics and photonics technology is leading the way in a variety of fields, including telecommunications, biomedical engineering, even manufacturing," said USC Viterbi Dean C.L. Max Nikias. "Sandy's creativity and ingenuity have helped to speed that revolution and improve our understanding of physics and the natural environment."  

Sawchuk's contributions to OSA have included chairing the Society Objectives and Policy Committee and Technical Council, as well as serving as a publications editor and chair or member of various other committees, including his current role on the OSA Board of Directors and OSA Foundation Board.

“The OSA Board of Directors is proud to bestow awards on this year's recipients,” added OSA President Peter Knight. “The winners have advanced the science of optics and the entire industry through their persistence and ingenuity.”

Sawchuk will be formally awarded at a ceremony taking place Oct.12, 2004, during the Society's annual “Frontiers in Optics” meeting in Rochester, NY.