The President’s Lifetime Service Award embodies exemplary attitude and dedication to the SFPA and the speculative genre. The award is given for service throughout the years to an individual who has furthered the knowledge, appreciation and acceptance of the speculative poetry genre, and who has served the SFPA in a significant volunteer capacity.
We are pleased to present the award to David C. Kopaska-Merkel.
Commentary
David C. Kopaska-Merkel has stayed strong even after earning the title Grand Master in 2017. The well-deserved honor celebrates his art, and now we are overdue to celebrate his heart! He is a fantastic builder of community. I am excited to recognize David's many contributions to the Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association by awarding him the Lifetime Service Award.
In 2026, the SFPA will host an online ceremony to celebrate the 2026 poetry award winners, as well as David's Lifetime Service Award. Stay tuned for details!
Brian U. Garrison
SFPA President
Miguel O. Mitchell adds:
I had the pleasure of co-chairing the 2023 Dwarf Stars anthology with David. It was an enjoyable collaboration, and he graciously showed me the ropes. Our poetry selections didn't always overlap, but I felt that the sum of our distinct poetic sensibilities elevated the venture. At a Facebook Live speculative poetry reading, I also had the opportunity to hear David read one of his poems that I had accepted for the inaugural issue of my e-zine SpecPoVerse. David is a kind and marvelously creative soul who has worked diligently for the SFPA, and I am glad that he is receiving this well-deserved recognition.
About David C. Kopaska-Merkel
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David C. Kopaska-Merkel has made far-reaching contributions to the dissemination and recognition of speculative poetry. He has kept Dreams & Nightmares running since its founding in 1986. Star*Line was under David's editorship from 1996-2002. More recently, in 2020, he took on Eye to the Telescope and assembled the Hard Science-Fiction themed issue.
From SFPA's archives to the present day, David's impact is everywhere. His term as President went from 2011-2014. As you search the history, you'll see his name appear several times as the one running the Dwarf Stars and Rhysling Awards. The SFPA we know and love today would not shine as bright without David's care and volunteerism.