With 2011 marking Don Kirkpatrick's final year of regular speaking engagements, ASTD would like to recognize his tremendous contributions to the learning and development field.

Don holds BA, MA, and PhD degrees from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The Kirkpatrick Four Levels were originally developed in the writing of his dissertation, "Evaluating a Human Relations Training Program for Supervisors."

He spent the majority of his professional career at the Management Institute of the University of Wisconsin where he taught managers at all levels the principles and techniques of many subjects, including coaching, communication, leadership, managing change, managing time, and team building. In the industry, Don served as the training director for International Minerals and Chemical Corp. and was the human resources manager for Bendix Products Aerospace Division.

Don served as the volunteer president for ASTD in 1975 and received the 1982 Gordon M. Bliss Memorial Award, ASTD's highest award to honor a member who has made significant contributions to the society. In 2003, he was recognized with ASTD's Lifetime Achievement in Workplace Learning and Performance Award.

He is the author of seven management inventories and seven books, including the 3rd edition of Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels (2006). His other books include Implementing the Four Levels (2007); Transferring Learning to Behavior (2005); Developing Employees Through Appraisal and Coaching, 2nd edition (2006); How To Plan and Conduct Productive Meetings (2006); and Managing Change Effectively (2002).

Don, thank you for your service to ASTD, to the field, and to organizations worldwide. You have helped learning professionals everywhere understand the importance and impact of measuring our work.

In Tribute

"Don's contribution to the training and development field is a treasure that increases in value every year. Rich in simplicity and brilliantly practical, The Kirkpatrick Four Levels are the gold nuggets that learning and performance professionals use worldwide to demonstrate the strategic value of training. Only Don can lay claim to an entire letter in the ADDIE model. His humility, humor, and compassion enrich my life and complete the gift he has given to all of us. Don is truly a training treasure."

- Elaine Biech, President, ebb associates inc

"Don Kirkpatrick offered the business world a training evaluation model it could understand and one that training professionals could use. His work gave us discipline and opened the door for more productive conversations with management."

- Judith A. Hale, President of ISPI

"Don Kirkpatrick was one person who championed the principles of evaluating training tirelessly. The influence of Don's pioneering work that started in the late 1950s is being felt around the entire globe today. Don has shared his knowledge in a selfless way, and that makes his contributions even more special. Very few can claim to have influenced the profession in the way Don has, and his inspiration will be felt by the community for many years to come."

- R. Palan, Chairman and CEO, SMR HR Technologies

"Don Kirkpatrick is widely known for his tremendously influential work on evaluating training, which is brought together in one of the bestselling books in the history of the training field - Evaluating Training Programs. Not as well known is the fact that Don has published important books on a variety of other topics as well, including managing change, developing supervisors, conducting productive meetings, using appraisal and coaching to improve performance, and communicating effectively. The breadth and depth of Don's work has been extraordinary. And he has had a special gift for making knowledge useful and practical, which is why his work has had so much enduring influence."

- Steven Piersanti, President, Berrett-Koehler Publishers

"I have been friends with Don Kirkpatrick for more than 30 years. The Kirkpatrick Four Levels of evaluation stand as one of the most practical models ever introduced to the field of training and development. His head and his heart have always been focused on helping training and development professionals add value and make a difference. Thank you, Don, for your contributions to me personally, and to our profession."

- Bob Pike, Chairman/CEO, The Bob Pike Group

Donald L. Kirkpatrick will be delivering a session at the ASTD 2011 Conference & EXPO, "Evaluating Training Programs: The Kirkpatrick Four Levels," on Monday, May 23, and Tuesday, May 24. He will also be recognized for his lifetime of achievement during the opening general session.

Also, be sure to check the ASTD Blog for his latest Kirkpatrick postings: bit.ly/hvBqAd