(Schaumburg, IL, September 14, 2026) The Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation (ARIEF) has announced that the Recognition Roundtable Scholarship will now be known as the Recognition Roundtable Stephen L. Capper Memorial Scholarship, honoring the lasting contributions of one of the awards and personalization industry’s most respected leaders.
“Steve Capper’s impact on this industry is immeasurable,” said Pam Holley, president of Recognition Roundtable. “He believed in lifting others up, sharing what he learned, and investing in people’s success. Naming this scholarship in his honor is a fitting tribute to someone who dedicated so much of his life to helping others achieve their goals.”
Capper, founder of A-1 Awards and Recognition Roundtable, spent more than six decades advancing the recognition profession while mentoring countless industry leaders, business owners, and professionals along the way. Through his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to collaboration, and passion for helping others succeed, he helped shape the culture and values that continue to define the recognition industry today.
In 1999, Capper founded Recognition Roundtable to create a space where award retailers could share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen their businesses. A longtime volunteer and advocate for the Awards and Personalization Association (APA), he was honored throughout his career with numerous distinctions, including Volunteer of the Year, Speaker of the Year, induction into the APA Hall of Fame, and the APA Founders Award alongside his wife, Nora Capper.
The Recognition Roundtable Stephen L. Capper Memorial Scholarship will continue supporting educational and professional development opportunities within the awards and personalization industry. By carrying Capper’s name, the scholarship reflects the values he championed throughout his life: lifelong learning, mentorship, service, and a commitment to helping others grow.
“Steve never focused on recognition for himself,” Holley added. “What mattered most to him was seeing others thrive. Through this scholarship, future generations will continue benefiting from the spirit of encouragement, generosity, and leadership that defined his life.”
The scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to a leader whose influence extended far beyond his own business and organization. Through the opportunities it provides, the Recognition Roundtable Stephen L. Capper Memorial Scholarship will help ensure that Capper’s passion for learning, community, and professional growth continues to inspire the next generation of industry professionals.
About the Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation (ARIEF)
The Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation (ARIEF) supports educational opportunities and professional development initiatives that strengthen the awards and personalization industry through scholarships, grants, and workforce development programs.
About Recognition Roundtable
Recognition Roundtable is a community of awards and personalization professionals dedicated to collaboration, education, and business excellence. Founded by Stephen L. Capper in 1999, the organization provides opportunities for members to share knowledge, build relationships, and advance the recognition profession.
Media Contact:
Louise Ristau, CAE, Executive Director
Awards and Personalization Association
[email protected]