August 22, 2025
The Luminaries Behind the Light
Illuminating Engineering Society honors technical and service leaders at IES25
At the opening reception of the IES25 Annual Conference in Anaheim, the Illuminating Engineering Society paused the momentum of its technical sessions and networking events to shine light inward; honoring members whose contributions span decades of innovation, mentorship, and tireless volunteerism.
Facilitated by IES Vice President Jared Smith, the evening struck a balance between formality and heartfelt appreciation. Smith set the tone for the ceremony, guiding the audience through each award with grace, while recipients offered remarks that revealed not just their achievements, but the spirit behind them.
IES Medal Award
Recipient: Dr. Kevin Houser
The Society’s highest technical honor, the Medal Award recognizes meritorious technical achievement that has conspicuously furthered the profession, art, or knowledge of illuminating engineering. This year’s recipient, Dr. Kevin Houser, was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to travel in China.
While Houser’s absence was felt, his work in lighting science and human factors was noted as foundational by IES leadership; helping to shape how lighting is evaluated, measured, and implemented in practice. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles, 100 other publications, holds five U.S. patents, and has led 35+ funded projects totaling $5.4 million. His work continues to shape the future of lighting research and design.
Louis B. Marks Award
Recipient: Charles E. “Chip” Israel
Named for the IES’s first president, this award honors exceptional non-technical service to the Society. Chip Israel, a longtime champion of lighting education and advocacy, approached the podium with characteristic humility.
“I shouldn’t get an award for doing something we love to do,” he said. He went on to share that volunteering within IES had enriched his life in ways he hadn’t anticipated—“emotionally, professionally, even financially.” The crowd nodded in recognition; few volunteers arrive expecting so much in return.
Fellow Member Grade
Recipients: Paul Gregory, Matthew Hartley, Kimberly Mercier,
The IES Fellow distinction acknowledges valuable contributions to the Society’s technical mission and broader impact on the science of illumination.
Above (Left to Right): Paul Gregory, Kimberly Mercier, Matthew Hartley
Kimberly Mercier delivered a message of solidarity: “I am a person of science, and I see you. You are people of science. Together we form a community, and now is the time to show the world our light.”
Matthew Hartley’s remarks highlighted mentorship: “I learned so much from those before me, and I knew I wanted to give that back... Teaching and sharing is how we grow this industry.”
Paul Gregory took a more poetic turn. “Creativity came from nature — walking through the woods, the canopy of leaves, the light falling through... Lighting is about curating the visual image — creating beautiful pictures that evoke emotion.”
Each recipient offered a different lens into the discipline, united by their drive to elevate lighting as both science and art.
Distinguished Service Award
Recipients: Liliana González de la Cueva, Antonio A. Garza
The Distinguished Service Award honors members with at least 15 years of significant non-technical service to the Society. Liliana González de la Cueva was recognized in absentia.
Antonio Garza, who would receive a Presidential Award as well, emphasized values shared across the room: “Everything we do, just like most of you here, is out of love and respect for what we do every day in the lighting industry.”
Presidential Awards
Recipients: Amardeep Dugar, Antonio Garza, Billy Tubb
Given at the discretion of the IES President, these awards recognize member excellence in leadership, advocacy, and service.
While Amardeep Dugar was attending the conference but unable to join the awards ceremony, both Antonio Garza and Billy Tubb accepted their honors with brief, heartfelt remarks.
“Serving the society is one of the most gratifying things in my entire career,” said Tubb, who was also presented with the Past President’s Award. His service spans multiple leadership roles, each marked by a steady hand and a clear vision.
Past President’s Award
Recipient: Billy Tubb
Presented to outgoing presidents of the Society, this honor acknowledged Tubb’s long tenure of leadership.
A Moment of Reflection at IES25
The awards ceremony at IES25 recognized individuals who have helped shape the lighting industry through both technical achievement and community impact. Many honorees have influenced not just the work, but the people who carry it forward.
