Fred L. Dixon recognized the power of media and technology long before the world discovered digital formats, the Internet and Web-based applications. As founder of Dixon Media Systems and Design, he has helped design audiovisual systems for such national organizations as the Kellogg Company, Whirlpool, Dow Chemical Company and the U.S. Department of Energy. He is a noted national trainer and expert on audiovisual systems for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. In honor of his extensive contributions, the International Communications Industries Association awarded him the first ICIA Service in Education Award. They then named the award after Dixon for future recipients. In 2006, he received the ICIA Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award and received the Educator of the Year award two times. When he is not spending his time on technology-related innovations, he is involved in helping communities develop the resources they need to be innovative. He is an active 4-H volunteer leader in Eaton County and is a regular trainer at Kettunen Center state 4-H volunteer workshops and at 4-H Exploration Days at MSU. In 2006, he received the Eaton County 4-H Council Vision Award. Dixon is a 30-year Kiwanis member and past president of the South Lansing Kiwanis Club. He is also a regular phone bank volunteer for the WKAR public television on-air pledge campaign. In memoriam March 16, 2011.