The Sigma Pi Sigma Outstanding Service Awards recognize Sigma Pi Sigma members who exemplify an attitude of service to the discipline of physics through actions at the local, national, or international level. These individuals have a positive impact on a Sigma Pi Sigma chapter, department or community. At the 2012 Quadrennial Physics Congress the Sigma Pi Sigma President conferred eight Sigma Pi Sigma Distinguished Service Awards.

Douglas N. Arion (right), for his commitment to mentoring students in both science and business, establishing the unique ScienceWorks program in Entrepreneurship in the Natural Sciences at Carthage College, and for providing the entire world with Galileoscopes to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell, for the discovery of pulsars, for her excellence as a teacher and as a mentor, for her leadership in the physics and astronomy communities, for advocating for women in science and for her service to both the 2004 and 2012 Quadrennial Physics Congresses. Presented by Zone 5 AZC Jessie Barrick.

Diane Alexandra Hanawalt-Jacobs, for her dedicated service to members and chapters of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma, for her outstanding work as the longtime advisor of the Eastern Michigan University chapter, her leadership on the National Council, her efforts to ensure the lasting impact of the 2012 Quadrennial Physics Congress, and her Presidency of Sigma Pi Sigma, which called every member to a life of service. Presented by Zone 13 AZC David To.

John C. Mather, for leading the COBE mission that conclusively demonstrated the blackbody nature of the Cosmic Background Radiation, for leading the way on the next generation of telescopes in the James Webb Space Telescope program, for establishing the AIP Mather Public Policy Intern Program to engage undergraduates in public policy, and for his support to the 2012 Quadrennial Physics Congress. Presented by Zone 4 AZC Mary Clare Roche.

Anna M. Quider, for her leadership in addressing significant issues in science-related public policy decision-making, for her service to the United States Congress and Department of State, and for her active engagement in science outreach efforts. Presented by Zone 17 AZC Chad Garrison.

H. Lee Sawyer, for leadership in the field of particle physics, for his excellences as a teacher, an advisor and a faculty administrator, for his mentorship of students in chapters of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma, and for his service on the Society of Physics Students National Council. Presented by Zone 13 AZC David To.

James H. Stith, for his commitment to the inclusion of all persons in the physics community, his leadership of various physics associations including the American Association of Physics Teachers, the National Society of Black Physicists, and the American Institute of Physics, and for his strong support of the programs of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma.

Gary D. White, for his outstanding teaching and mentorship of students, for his work as a Society of Physics Students chapter advisor, Zone Councilor, and President, for his inspired leadership as Director of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma, and for his tremendous support of outreach efforts by physics students. Presented by Zone 18 AZC Thanh Nguyen.