The recipients of the European Achievement Award
The European Achievement Award 2025
At the conference grand dinner at the University of Sussex, Brighton July 19, 2025 the European Achievement award was presented to Marika Heimbach from Germany. This special lady is a member of DKG since March 1992 when Germany was founded in Berlin.
This was said when she was awarded:
I am very pleased and proud to announce the winner of the European Achievement Award of 2025. We had several nominees and they are all great inspiring women that did a lot for Delta Kappa Gamma Europe. Unfortunately we can only give one award. The special lady that will receive this award tonight at this wonderful Grand dinner, has been an active member of DKG on all levels, founder member of a DKG member country, where she started as the executive secretary. After that she has served as chapter president, state organization president and regional director Europe. She was a member of various international committees and the European Forum of which she was the chair. Besides that she is the state treasurer. She does a fabulous job in all her positions, and is willing to take on additional tasks if needed. She has always displayed a high degree of responsibility. She has a high level of personal motivation and initiative. Her commitment to DKG is outstanding. She succeeded in chartering a new chapter (Delta), started collaboration with our neighbor country, and always brings in new ideas to promote DKG membership. She has built positive relationships and accepts differences in all people. She understands how to communicate with individuals and with groups providing direction and motivation. She is a true leader and always seeks to improve the status of DKG Europe within DKG International. Thus she fully deserves this Award.
Do you already know who is this wonderful, warm, hardworking, positive, friendly and amazing woman?
It is my honour to announce the winner of the 2025 European Achievement Award: A round of applause for Marika Heimbach from Germany!!!
On behalf of the The European Forum Committee 2024-2026
Carola van Zanen-van Rijn, Chair of the European Forum Committee.
At the conference grand dinner at the University of Sussex, Brighton July 19, 2025 the European Achievement award was presented to Marika Heimbach from Germany. This special lady is a member of DKG since March 1992 when Germany was founded in Berlin.
This was said when she was awarded:
I am very pleased and proud to announce the winner of the European Achievement Award of 2025. We had several nominees and they are all great inspiring women that did a lot for Delta Kappa Gamma Europe. Unfortunately we can only give one award. The special lady that will receive this award tonight at this wonderful Grand dinner, has been an active member of DKG on all levels, founder member of a DKG member country, where she started as the executive secretary. After that she has served as chapter president, state organization president and regional director Europe. She was a member of various international committees and the European Forum of which she was the chair. Besides that she is the state treasurer. She does a fabulous job in all her positions, and is willing to take on additional tasks if needed. She has always displayed a high degree of responsibility. She has a high level of personal motivation and initiative. Her commitment to DKG is outstanding. She succeeded in chartering a new chapter (Delta), started collaboration with our neighbor country, and always brings in new ideas to promote DKG membership. She has built positive relationships and accepts differences in all people. She understands how to communicate with individuals and with groups providing direction and motivation. She is a true leader and always seeks to improve the status of DKG Europe within DKG International. Thus she fully deserves this Award.
Do you already know who is this wonderful, warm, hardworking, positive, friendly and amazing woman?
It is my honour to announce the winner of the 2025 European Achievement Award: A round of applause for Marika Heimbach from Germany!!!
On behalf of the The European Forum Committee 2024-2026
Carola van Zanen-van Rijn, Chair of the European Forum Committee.
The European Achievement Award 2023
At the conference banquet in Tampere, July 28, 2023 the award was presented to Eygló Björnsdóttir from Iceland. This was said when she was awarded:
"Dear International President Debbie Le Blanc, dear Executive Director Nita Scott, dear distinguished guests, dear members,
In our Europe Region Guidelines it says: “The European Achievement Award is given biennially to a member from any European member state in recognition of distinguished service to all levels of the Society, but specifically at the European level.”
The recipient of our European award 2023 has been a member for almost 19 years. From the beginning of her membership she became involved on the state, European and international level. She served as state president, and as representative for the Europe region on three international committees, one of which consists of elected members. But for the Europe region one of her commitments is very if not most important. It is the forum committee´s assumption that her skills had been well known by the Europe Forum Committee when they met in November 2009. Considering the fast technical development during the 21 st century a tremendous step forward seemed adamant. The necessity of creating a website was discussed. A huge task indeed, and the recipient of our award was asked to take over, and she accepted. It is outlined in our guidelines that the forum is in charge of the content of the website, but what could be done without a person who has an exceptional sense of responsibility, and until now this is proved almost daily. You sent an email to her, and get a response immediately, and the task you are asking for is carried out on the spot. In 2021 an editorial board was appointed, because the website needed updating, especially the history of the Europe region. It was a huge task which took more than a year, and we think that our membership approves of the outcome.
From 2009 until now, our recipient has carried out the responsibility on her own, we cannot thank her enough. And of course you know who I am honoured to present the European Achievement Award 2023 for her dedication and outstanding performance of the duties she accepted almost 14 years ago: Eyglo Björnsdóttir, our webmaster from Iceland!"
At the conference banquet in Tampere, July 28, 2023 the award was presented to Eygló Björnsdóttir from Iceland. This was said when she was awarded:
"Dear International President Debbie Le Blanc, dear Executive Director Nita Scott, dear distinguished guests, dear members,
In our Europe Region Guidelines it says: “The European Achievement Award is given biennially to a member from any European member state in recognition of distinguished service to all levels of the Society, but specifically at the European level.”
The recipient of our European award 2023 has been a member for almost 19 years. From the beginning of her membership she became involved on the state, European and international level. She served as state president, and as representative for the Europe region on three international committees, one of which consists of elected members. But for the Europe region one of her commitments is very if not most important. It is the forum committee´s assumption that her skills had been well known by the Europe Forum Committee when they met in November 2009. Considering the fast technical development during the 21 st century a tremendous step forward seemed adamant. The necessity of creating a website was discussed. A huge task indeed, and the recipient of our award was asked to take over, and she accepted. It is outlined in our guidelines that the forum is in charge of the content of the website, but what could be done without a person who has an exceptional sense of responsibility, and until now this is proved almost daily. You sent an email to her, and get a response immediately, and the task you are asking for is carried out on the spot. In 2021 an editorial board was appointed, because the website needed updating, especially the history of the Europe region. It was a huge task which took more than a year, and we think that our membership approves of the outcome.
From 2009 until now, our recipient has carried out the responsibility on her own, we cannot thank her enough. And of course you know who I am honoured to present the European Achievement Award 2023 for her dedication and outstanding performance of the duties she accepted almost 14 years ago: Eyglo Björnsdóttir, our webmaster from Iceland!"
The European Achievement Award 2021
In 2021, during the pandemic, the European forum announced that the recipient of the European Achievement Award 2021 was Birgitta Johansson from Sweden.
Birgitta Johansson has during her many years of membership of DKG, in an unselfish and untiring way worked for the best of our Society locally, regionally and on international level. Her leadership has been uncomplicated and at the same helpful. She has always generously shared her knowledge of the Society and her professional competences with other members. Birgitta Johansson is a role model for many of us how a DKG member should act and behave and her loyalty to the Society is outstanding. No task is too small or unimportant. When being on the Finance committee she supported the treasurers with great information, introduced the new data system and raced the statues of the treasurers by also providing them with a treasurer’s pin. She is one of the founders of Sigma chapter in Sweden and was a great support when Chi chapter in Sweden started.
Birgitta received the award in Sweden at their State Convention and in Tampere 2023 we recognized her with a big applause. We congratulate Brigitta with this award and hope she will serve the society for many more years.
In 2021, during the pandemic, the European forum announced that the recipient of the European Achievement Award 2021 was Birgitta Johansson from Sweden.
Birgitta Johansson has during her many years of membership of DKG, in an unselfish and untiring way worked for the best of our Society locally, regionally and on international level. Her leadership has been uncomplicated and at the same helpful. She has always generously shared her knowledge of the Society and her professional competences with other members. Birgitta Johansson is a role model for many of us how a DKG member should act and behave and her loyalty to the Society is outstanding. No task is too small or unimportant. When being on the Finance committee she supported the treasurers with great information, introduced the new data system and raced the statues of the treasurers by also providing them with a treasurer’s pin. She is one of the founders of Sigma chapter in Sweden and was a great support when Chi chapter in Sweden started.
Birgitta received the award in Sweden at their State Convention and in Tampere 2023 we recognized her with a big applause. We congratulate Brigitta with this award and hope she will serve the society for many more years.
The European Achievement Award 2019
The recipient at the International Conference in Reykjavík 2019 was Bjørg Nakling from Norway.
This was said when she was awarded:
"Throughout over 20 years as a member of DKG, and in a variety of roles, Bjørg has been a staunch advocate for the values of our organization and for the European Region. She creates and welcomes every opportunity to meet and get to know members at all levels of the organization and has actively encouraged and challenged DKG in Europe to widen its horizons and raise awareness of DKG. Bjørg has travelled to all the European countries where DKG has members, something she started before she became Regional Director and she knows many of the members from regular attendance at a variety of meetings. She is not afraid to speak up when necessary, often to champion the cause of the European Region. Bjørg maintains a balanced leadership style, unafraid to take unpopular decisions when necessary, but also genuinely open to the opinions of others and willing to relinquish control when appropriate. She has been an excellent representative for the European Region in a time of change and challenges."
The recipient at the International Conference in Reykjavík 2019 was Bjørg Nakling from Norway.
This was said when she was awarded:
"Throughout over 20 years as a member of DKG, and in a variety of roles, Bjørg has been a staunch advocate for the values of our organization and for the European Region. She creates and welcomes every opportunity to meet and get to know members at all levels of the organization and has actively encouraged and challenged DKG in Europe to widen its horizons and raise awareness of DKG. Bjørg has travelled to all the European countries where DKG has members, something she started before she became Regional Director and she knows many of the members from regular attendance at a variety of meetings. She is not afraid to speak up when necessary, often to champion the cause of the European Region. Bjørg maintains a balanced leadership style, unafraid to take unpopular decisions when necessary, but also genuinely open to the opinions of others and willing to relinquish control when appropriate. She has been an excellent representative for the European Region in a time of change and challenges."
European Achievement Award 2017
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Tallinn 2017 was Liisa Peltomaa from Finnland.
This is here recommendation:
"Liisa Peltomaa epitomizes the values of Delta Kappa Gamma and has served it, true to them, for more than 40 years, expressing enormous energy, dedication and commitment, not only in Finland but on all levels of our society. She is respected for her profound knowledge of the society, calm yet effective approach to problem solving, engaging “elevator speeches” and innovative methods of recruiting new members. She is always cheerful and friendly, shows an encouraging attitude to everyone, and demonstrates people skills that enhance the best qualities in others. Liisa inspires us all to surpass ourselves! Without her contribution DKG would not be what it is today!"
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Tallinn 2017 was Liisa Peltomaa from Finnland.
This is here recommendation:
"Liisa Peltomaa epitomizes the values of Delta Kappa Gamma and has served it, true to them, for more than 40 years, expressing enormous energy, dedication and commitment, not only in Finland but on all levels of our society. She is respected for her profound knowledge of the society, calm yet effective approach to problem solving, engaging “elevator speeches” and innovative methods of recruiting new members. She is always cheerful and friendly, shows an encouraging attitude to everyone, and demonstrates people skills that enhance the best qualities in others. Liisa inspires us all to surpass ourselves! Without her contribution DKG would not be what it is today!"
The European Achievement Award 2015
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Borås 2015 was Trijny Schmitz du Moulin from The Netherlands.
This was said when she was awarded:
"One of the most rewarding tasks of the European Forum is to honour an outstanding European
member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society at the Europe Convention at Borås. To single out one
member of the whole group of European members is always a challenge; so many are outstanding
and inspiring.
In 2015 the Forum has chosen the following qualifications as its focus in this choice:
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Borås 2015 was Trijny Schmitz du Moulin from The Netherlands.
This was said when she was awarded:
"One of the most rewarding tasks of the European Forum is to honour an outstanding European
member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society at the Europe Convention at Borås. To single out one
member of the whole group of European members is always a challenge; so many are outstanding
and inspiring.
In 2015 the Forum has chosen the following qualifications as its focus in this choice:
- She is an outstanding personality, who builds bridges between members, chapters, countries.
- She is always ready to support DKG, understanding as well when a mistake has been made, and encouraging and supportive in getting things back on track.
- She is an active participant at a local level as well as internationally. She facilitates connection among members.
- She has continually demonstrated her abilities as an outstanding organizer.
The European Achievement Award 2013
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Amsterdam 2013 was Kate York, Great Britain.
This is here recommendation:
"Kate received a totally unanimous vote from all of the countries in DKG’s European Region, in recognition of her amazing and unstinting level of commitment in her work in Europe as European Regional Director 2010-2012. Kate encourages all with her vision of DKG Europe. She always manages to give clear
directions in any situation. She is a calm, reliable fount of information, always available to point the way forward, and to bolster morale and flagging spirits. She was a real ‘rock’ to all European Presidents and members as a Regional Director and supported generously any State President or country when asked for help, guidance or support. As a member of the Administrative Board, Kate constantly put forward the views of Europe, thus ensuring that everyone understood the different issues found in our Region. By her manner and efficiency she impressed all and consequently managed to raise the profile of the European Region. This she continues to do via her membership of The Nominations Committee.
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Amsterdam 2013 was Kate York, Great Britain.
This is here recommendation:
"Kate received a totally unanimous vote from all of the countries in DKG’s European Region, in recognition of her amazing and unstinting level of commitment in her work in Europe as European Regional Director 2010-2012. Kate encourages all with her vision of DKG Europe. She always manages to give clear
directions in any situation. She is a calm, reliable fount of information, always available to point the way forward, and to bolster morale and flagging spirits. She was a real ‘rock’ to all European Presidents and members as a Regional Director and supported generously any State President or country when asked for help, guidance or support. As a member of the Administrative Board, Kate constantly put forward the views of Europe, thus ensuring that everyone understood the different issues found in our Region. By her manner and efficiency she impressed all and consequently managed to raise the profile of the European Region. This she continues to do via her membership of The Nominations Committee.
The European Achievement Award 2011
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Baden Baden 2011 was Marianne Skardeus, Sweden.
This is here recommendation:
"Dr Marianne Skardéus is devoted to her mission for DGK. Marianne has done a valuable work on membership issues, which has resulted in establishing of the DKG organization in Estonia and in Denmark. She has opened up for new chapters in these countries as well as in Sweden. She is active in stimulating members to apply for scholarships and to start educational projects in developing countries. Marianne is outstanding in her engagement for strengthening the European Region in an international perspective. We believe she is a very worthy representative of the European Membership".
The recipient at the European Regional Conference in Baden Baden 2011 was Marianne Skardeus, Sweden.
This is here recommendation:
"Dr Marianne Skardéus is devoted to her mission for DGK. Marianne has done a valuable work on membership issues, which has resulted in establishing of the DKG organization in Estonia and in Denmark. She has opened up for new chapters in these countries as well as in Sweden. She is active in stimulating members to apply for scholarships and to start educational projects in developing countries. Marianne is outstanding in her engagement for strengthening the European Region in an international perspective. We believe she is a very worthy representative of the European Membership".
The European Achievement Award 2009
The recipient at the Europian Regional Conference in Oslo 2009 was Sigrún Klara Hannesdóttir, Iceland.
This is here recommendation:
"Dr Sigrún Klara Hannesdóttir has extensive knowledge of the Society. She has
been involved from the time she became founder of the first chapter in Iceland
in 1975, and has held many positions on chapter, state, regional and international
levels.
She is well known within the DKG Society and has served as the European Regional
Director. During her biennium she visited most of the European States.
This biennium she is the first European member to serve in the position of a vice president on the Administrative Board. She is the former National Librarian of Iceland, the first woman to hold that position in the country. She is always ready to do work for the Society. We believe she is a very worthy representative of the European Membership".
The recipient at the Europian Regional Conference in Oslo 2009 was Sigrún Klara Hannesdóttir, Iceland.
This is here recommendation:
"Dr Sigrún Klara Hannesdóttir has extensive knowledge of the Society. She has
been involved from the time she became founder of the first chapter in Iceland
in 1975, and has held many positions on chapter, state, regional and international
levels.
She is well known within the DKG Society and has served as the European Regional
Director. During her biennium she visited most of the European States.
This biennium she is the first European member to serve in the position of a vice president on the Administrative Board. She is the former National Librarian of Iceland, the first woman to hold that position in the country. She is always ready to do work for the Society. We believe she is a very worthy representative of the European Membership".
The European Achievement Award 2007
The first recipient of the Europian Achievement Award at the Europian Regional Conference in London 2007 was Dorothy Haley, Great Britain.
Dorothy has said this about the Award:
"I have worn the European Achievement Award with great pride both in Europe and in America, and always members have accosted me to say, ‘May I see your award?’, ‘Isn’t it beautiful?’ and I have taken every opportunity to explain the significance and symbolism of its design – to everyone’s amazement and admiration".
Tribute to Dorothy Haley, who passed away, 30th May 2016
The first recipient of the Europian Achievement Award at the Europian Regional Conference in London 2007 was Dorothy Haley, Great Britain.
Dorothy has said this about the Award:
"I have worn the European Achievement Award with great pride both in Europe and in America, and always members have accosted me to say, ‘May I see your award?’, ‘Isn’t it beautiful?’ and I have taken every opportunity to explain the significance and symbolism of its design – to everyone’s amazement and admiration".
Tribute to Dorothy Haley, who passed away, 30th May 2016