The Marjorie Kendig Award honors individuals whose work in the field of translation exemplifies exceptional skill, dedication and achievement.

About Marjorie Kendig

Marjorie M. Kendig stands as one of the foundational figures in the history of the Institute of General Semantics. From the Institute’s incorporation in Chicago in 1983, where she was listed as an ex officio member of the Board, Kendig distinguished herself as a gifted administrator, visionary educator, and advocate for the Institute of General Semantics. As the Institutes first Education Director, her talent, dedication, and organizational expertise were instrumental in shaping the Institute’s mission. Kendig worked closely with Alfred Korzybski, the founder of General Semantics, and after his passing in 1950, Kendig undertook the task of compiling and preserving his writings. In the same year, she became Director of the Institute, guiding it with exceptional commitment from 1950 to 1965. Even as her health declined in 1960s, Kendig’s devotion to the Institute never wavered. Kendig stepped down from her directorship in 1964, and served as Interim Director from 1971-1975 while she was in and out of hospital. Marjorie M. Kendig passed away in 1981, however her leadership, perseverance and belief in power of General Semantics continues to inspire generations of scholars, educators and practitioners. 

Kendig’s work includes Alfred Korzybski: Collected Writings 1920-1950, Institute of General Semantics.