Milady Announces N.F. Cimaglia Award Winner

Milady, part of Cengage Learning and a provider of beauty and wellness learning solutions, along with the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) announced that the 2011 N.F. Cimaglia Award has been presented to Robert Passage of Chicago, an esteemed educator and dedicated participant in the cosmetology industry. The N.F. Cimaglia Award was established by the AACS Past President’s Club in 1975 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated continuous outstanding service in the beauty industry and in cosmetology education. To be eligible for the award, candidates must either be a board member of the All American Beauty Culture Schools Associated, National-American Cosmetology Schools, or American Association of Cosmetology Schools, a past AACS president, or have at least 25 continuous years in the industry. The 2011 award was presented during the opening session of the 2011 AACS convention in Phoenix on November 5.

This year’s winner, Robert Passage, has been active in cosmetology education for 25 years. He is a licensed cosmetologist, licensed cosmetology instructor, and holds a degree in business from Loyola University in Chicago. He has served on the AACS board since 1995 and has participated on numerous committees during his tenure with the organization. Additionally, Passage has previously served as president on the Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools (IACS) board, and remains active with his state association today. Along with the AACS and IACS, he stays involved with numerous other industry committees including Cosmetologists Chicago (CC), Professional Beauty Association (PBA), and Advisory Council on Cosmetology Relations and Education (ACCRED). “We are proud to present Robert Passage with this year’s N.F. Cimaglia Award,” says Dawn Gerrain, president of Milady. “Having been involved in the industry for more than a quarter of a century, Passage has proven himself as an educator and leader within the cosmetology industry and is uniquely qualified to be receiving this honor from Milady and AACS. His dedication and commitment to our industry are unmatched, and we look forward to seeing where he will take his career next.”