The SPIE Directors' Award is presented to an individual who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has rendered a significant service of outstanding benefit to the Society.
A posthumous recognition, for longstanding service and leadership, by generously giving time, energy, enthusiasm, and wisdom to improve the Society and its educational impact on the global photonics community.
2022 - Julie Bentley
2021 - Maryellen Giger
2020 - Gary Spiegel
2019 - Carmiña Londoño
2018 - James Grote
2017 - Kenneth M. Hanson
2016 - Majid Rabbani
2015 - Jim Oschmann
2014 - Harry J. Levinson
2013 - Bjorn F. Andresen
2012 - R. Rox Anderson
2011 - Robert P. Breault
2010 - Malgorzata Kujawinska
2009 - Bruce J. Tromberg
2008 - James Harrington
2007 - Paul R. Yoder, Jr.
2005 - Maria J. Yzuel
2004 - Donald C. O'Shea
2003 - Jack D. Gaskill
2002 - Arthur H. Guenther
2001 - Paul Schenker
2000 - Abraham Katzir
1999 - M. J. Soileau
1998 - Brian J. Thompson
1996 - Paul R. Yoder
1992 - Warren J. Smith
1987 - Roger H. Schneider
1984 - Henry John Caulfield
1981 - Irving J. Spiro
1980 - Clyde W. Tombaugh
1979 - James C. Wyant, Andrew G. Tescher, and Theodore T. Saito
1978 - Edward L. Caplan (posthumous)
1977 - Yale H. Katz
1970 - J. E. Durrenberger
1969 - Revere G. Sanders
1968 - Clyde T. Holliday
1967 - John Kiel
1966 - Carl N. Brewster
1965 - Eugene B. Turner and Edward E. Rich
1964 - Robert L. Woltz
1963 - Herman C. Schepler