This award is given on an irregular basis to an undergraduate or graduate student who has been self-motivated and unusually innovative as an artist, technician and/or scholar during his or her career. Established by the department in 1995, this award honors the memory of Gary Gaiser, who began his career at Indiana in 1944 and retired in 1980. With a wide range of interests and an absolute love of lighting and technology, Gary Gaiser was an inspiration to hundreds of students and colleagues. Continually exploring and experimenting, Gary was known for his wide smile, insatiable curiosity, and boundless energy and enthusiasm.