Dec. 23, 2015
Reflecting over the past year this holiday season, we honor the memory of a long-time donor and dedicated advocate for the profession who passed away in October.
Judith (Judy) Williams, B.S., R.T.(R), FASRT, FAEIRS, was born in Buford, Georgia and attended Bass High School in Atlanta.
Following high school graduation, she began volunteering at Grady Memorial Hospital in 1958 and later enrolled in Grady’s School of Radiologic Technology. She became a registered radiologic technologist with the ARRT two years later, after graduating from the program.
In 1963, Judy was hired as the program director for the radiography program at Grady and then eventually became the educational director, overseeing administrative duties for three Schools of Radiation and Imaging Technologies. By the time she retired from Grady in 1998, Judy had taught radiography to more than 1,000 students.
After retiring, she moved to Florida. But, forever the consummate educator, Judy continued to teach part-time at programs in Atlanta, Columbus, Ocala and Tallahassee.
Throughout her career, Judy exhibited tremendous love and dedication for students through her involvement with the Atlanta Society Student Seminar. She was instrumental in developing the first student seminar program in the early 1960s. In 1978, Judy became the Student Seminar Coordinator, and later Operations Manager of the seminar, which grew to become a nationally renowned educational event.
On the local and state levels, Judy was past president of both the Atlanta Society of Radiologic Technologists (AtlSRT) and Georgia Society of Radiologic Technologists (GSRT). On the national level, she was past president of the Association of University Radiologic Technicians (AURT) and the Association of Educators in Imaging Radiologic Sciences (AEIRS); ASRT Counselor for Georgia; site surveyor for the JRCERT; instructor for the 1978 and 1979 ASRT Symposia and Annual Meeting Chairperson for AURT, AEIRS and ASRT.
Judy was deeply passionate about her profession. She was always one of the first people to stand up and push for the advancement of technologists, even when her opinion was unpopular. In 1984, Judy proudly testified before the Georgia General Assembly subcommittee in favor of licensure for radiographers to ensure radiation protection for the general public.
In 1986 Judy was awarded Fellow status with the ASRT, and in 1993 she was also awarded Fellow status with the AEIRS, becoming the first person from Georgia to receive both of these prestigious honors. Judy was also a life member of the AtlSRT, GSRT and AEIRS on national, state and local levels.
Her approach to any challenge was always one of total commitment, always responding whenever called upon to help with enthusiasm and zeal. This talented woman set an example and provided the incentive for many radiographers to become the successful professionals they are today.
It is because of passionate and committed advocates like Judy that the profession has advanced to where it is today. We were honored to partner with her in creating a brighter future for students and R.T.s. This holiday season, we remember her with fond memories and hearts full of thanks for everything she did for the profession and those whose lives she touched.