Oz Club Vice President Cindy Ragni received the L. Frank Memorial Award July 25.
Cindy, who has been a devoted Oz reader since childhood, joined the Club two decades ago. Since then she has written for The Baum Bugle, helped with conventions, joined committees, contributed to Club projects, helped with the management of Club operations, and served on the Club’s Board of Directors. There is no Club member today who is more enthusiastic about sharing knowledge of Oz and its creators, helping collectors, and supporting the many activities of the Club.
While Cindy is always busy Oz responsibilities and activities, many of you will particularly remember her in-depth feature article in the Winter 2025 issue of The Baum Bugle, “Project Ozma, the First Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.” At atmospheric scientist by profession, her article addressed the pioneering SETI work of another Oz fan, Dr. Frank Drake.
Want more details? We have them! You can learn much more about Cindy right here.
The L. Frank Baum Memorial Award
Each year, the International Wizard of Oz Club presents the L. Frank Baum Memorial Award to a person (or persons) who has made significant contributions to the work and purposes of the Club. Under the Club’s bylaws, the recipient is selected by the L. Frank Baum Memorial Award Committee, comprising all living previous award recipients. Nominees are considered for:
- Educating and encouraging the interest of members and the general public in the writings of L. Frank Baum and other authors about the Land of Oz;
- Facilitating the collecting of works related to Oz and its creators;
- Promoting research about authors, illustrators, critics, and other matters related to Oz;
- Encouraging original writing and other forms of expression about Oz; and
- Providing forums for people to meet and share their interest in the phenomenon of Oz.
For a list of past recipients, and links to their individual profiles, see the L. Frank Baum Memorial Award Winners in the About section of our website. Here’s a direct link.
