“This is the true joy in life: Being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” – George Bernard Shaw
I was recently awarded the Software Test Professionals 2013 STP Luminary Award, which aside from being flattering beyond belief, was a great honor to be included in such an incredible group of nominees. Every person nominated for the award has contributed a tremendous amount to the software testing industry, and I am grateful to be counted among their ranks. The award describes a luminary as “someone who has inspired others by their actions and the results of those actions on the profession”. I am fortunate to be one of those people who love my industry and have a great job where I get to work with talented colleagues who inspire me by their quiet “illumination” every day.
I couldn’t possibly accept this award without acknowledging some of those people who have been instrumental to my success over the years, including all the great testers I have met through the Association for Software Testing and Barclays, but especially James Bach and Michael Bolton. We are products of our influences, and James and Michael have advised, challenged, and encouraged me to speak up and push harder for excellence and skill in testing, for which I owe them a debt of gratitude.
I would also like to thank Plinio Ayala, and all the team and students at Per Scholas, with whom I am fortunate to have met and have the privilege of working. Any contribution I have made to their cause, pales in comparison to their daily heroics to end the cycle of poverty. I also have to thank Joe Squeri for encouraging me to get involved with Per Scholas, and my friends Paul Holland and Lorinda Brandon for their tireless effort and work for the STEP program. The team we have assembled truly believes we are changing the way software testing is taught, supported, and valued by the industry, and I am humbled to be able to spend my time with this incredible group of people.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone involved at STP for putting this award together and to all the people who voted for me. I am sincerely touched by the kindness and spirit of community in the software testing industry, and look forward to seeing you all soon.
Thanks again,
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Congratulations, Keith. It’s certainly a proud moment for Barclays and GTC testers who are privileged to get your guidance. Many thanks for the work you have been doing and being inspiration for many.