LEXINGTON, Ky. - A spa industry pioneer and community leader will be honored during the 2004 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Ruth Stricker, an international philanthropist and founder of The Marsh, a Center for Balance and Fitness, is the recipient of ISPA's 2004 Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award.

In celebration of the life and contributions of the late Alex Szekely, the Humanitarian Award recognizes industry leaders who have generously devoted their time and energy to promoting lifestyle changes that contribute to the longevity and quality of life. "Ruth Stricker's accomplishments serve as a reminder of the importance of promoting a balanced lifestyle to people around the globe," said ISPA Chair Jeff Kohl. "Ruth was a driving force behind the evolution of people no longer seeing spas as pampering, but instead as a requisite to staying physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy."

Stricker established The Marsh in Minnetonka, Minn. on the belief that true wellness is dependent on both the mind and body. The Marsh nurtures guests through integrated wellness offerings including nutrition, exercise, and educational programs in addition to spa treatments.

Stricker is an honorary chair to the Center of Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota as well as a Trustee for Macalester College, where the new student center was recently named in her honor as the Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center. Stricker's philosophy and commitment to inspiring a healthy attitude toward life has taken her around the globe including studying and sponsoring research in the People's Republic of China, serving as a teacher and advisor in the former U.S.S.R., aiding people in a federal prison camp and also those with chronic conditions.

Alex's mother Deborah, a pioneer in the mind/body/spirit fitness movement, will present the award to Stricker on Thursday, Nov. 11. Alex Szekely received the Humanitarian Award in 2002 upon which time the award was renamed in his honor. He was the president of Rancho la Puerta and Golden Door, as well as a past ISPA president and a long-standing member of the ISPA Board of Directors.

The 14th annual ISPA Conference & Expo is the spa industry's proven resource for education and networking. For additional details on the Conference, visit www.ispaconference.com. Information on Conference registration is included on the site.

ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA's membership is comprised of approximately 2,000 health and wellness facilities and providers from 66 countries. ISPA strives to advance the professionalism of the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, to promote the value of the spa experience to society and to be the authoritative voice of the spa industry.

Spas are entities devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.