Back in 2017 I was honored by receiving the Grant Medal at WCQI. This medal recognizes individuals for exceptional leadership in developing and presenting quality educational programs. When I began my journey in Quality one of the first books I obtained and applied was published by Grant. As matter a fact, I have this book even today as a reminder of the journey I followed in becoming a quality professional. I still reference his books and am proud to have others recognize my work in creating quality educational workshops.

In 2026 I will be recognized at WCQI in Orlando to receive the Freud-Marquardt Medal. This is presented to an individual who has applied quality management principles to the development, implementation and improvement of management system standards, including QMS. While E.L Grant is well known by quality professionals, the history behind the Freud-Marquardt Medal is not. When colleagues were inquiring about nominating me, I felt it was important to understand the story behind the award.

Quality Management System (QMS) visionaries have driven the advancement of QMS standards and practices, impacting areas such as environmental and occupational health standards. Influential figures like Richard Freund and Donald Marquardt helped shape quality management principles, inspiring others to improve management systems in their professional roles. Their work also created the criteria for major quality, environmental awards such as Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the European Foundation for Quality Award (MBNQA and EFQM).

In fact, Richard was also recognized with numerous medals that included ASQ Brumbaugh Medal in 1948, the ASQ Lancaster Award (1958 & 1960), the ASQ Shewhart Medal in 1982 and the ASQ Dodge Award in 1987. This not only highlights his accomplishments but the longevity of the ASQ Medal Awards. He was also a past President of ASQC and Chair of the US Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO TC 69. Working with ASQC Board of Directors was able to form the Registration Accreditation Board (Currently designated as ANAB). There are numerous other recognitions and relationships of Richards’ historic work prior to his passing in 1989.

Donald Marquardt, as manager of the DuPont Applied Statistics Group, led the development of the Product Quality Management methodology and computer systems that implemented the company’s continuous improvement initiatives. Donald also was awarded the ASQ Shewhart Medal in 1987. He was the leader of the US delegation to the ISO 9000 Quality Standards Writing Group. His statistical achievements were recognized by the American Statistical Association as the Statistician of the Year in 1993-1994. This American statistician passed in 1997 leaving a legacy of achievements which includes the rediscovery of the Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear least squares fitting Algorithm.

I trust you now have a greater understanding of the contributions made by Richard Freund and Donald Marquardt, and the significance of ASQ establishing an award to honor their achievements. It is truly an honor to receive this award bearing their names.