6 modern-day pioneers honored

Six modern day pioneers will be honored tonight at The Grand America Hotel.

The Days of '47 will honor six Utahns who show in some way that they are a pioneer in the field they are nominated for, according to Lynne Buckner, chairman of the Pioneers of Progress committee. Fellow Utahns nominated the recipients and the committee then selects the winners.

This year's winners include Renn Zaphiropoulos, Jack Brittain, Paul Holton, Crawford Gates, David Checketts, and Flip and Lois Harmon.

Buckner said the event gives citizens insights to creativity and small things to do. "We all think we have to do something big, and it's amazing to see how these (small) things grow," Buckner said.

Those who have demonstrated a vision for living their lives to benefit present and future generations will be recognized at 6:30 p,m,, with a dinner following thereafter. The public is invited to attend. Admission to the dinner is $45/plate.

The 2009 recipients are:

Science & Technology Development

Renn Zaphiropoulos

Zaphiropoulos' is recognized as a pioneer in the fields of engineering and physics, because of his scientific vision and technological contributions. He co-founded Versatec, a Xerox Corp., which has become the world's leading manufacturer of electrostatic printers and plotters. He also helped advance the development of color television and the first VacIon Ultra High Vacuum Pump. He holds 29 patents and has numerous publications and awards for technological advancements. An adjunct professor and trustee at Southern Utah University, Zaphiropoulos lectures at Ivy League colleges and sits on the Board of Directors for many high-tech companies.

Business & Enterprise

Jack Brittain, Ph.D.

Brittain embodies the pioneer values of industry and enterprise. He is the dean of the one of the world's top ranking business programs at the David Eccles School at the University of Utah. Many Utah jobs, aspiring entrepreneurs, promising new technologies, and cutting-edge research are supported through the numerous ventures he helped establish. Sitting on a multitude of non-profit boards, as the vice president of Technology Venture Development, and as a member of the Governor's Office of Economic Development Board, Brittain shows a strategic vision that focuses on turning good ideas into good business.