The John Riski Speech Scholarship is named in honor of Dr. John E. “Jay” Riski Jr., PhD, CCC-SLP, F-ASHA, a distinguished speech-language pathologist whose career spanned over four decades. Dr. Riski was renowned for his dedication to advancing care for children with cleft and craniofacial conditions and for mentoring the next generation of clinicians.

Dr. Riski began his academic journey at St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida, earned his M.S. at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Florida in Gainesville. His professional path led him to Duke University Medical Center (1978–1994) and subsequently to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he served as the Clinical Director of the Center for Craniofacial Disorders from 1994 until his retirement in 2022. During his tenure at Children’s Healthcare, he personally evaluated over 17,000 children, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to elevating patient care, education, and research.

Dr. Riski’s devotion to the profession was evident through his exceptional service and leadership within the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA), where he served in numerous roles, including Vice President (1997), President (2000–2001), and Past-President (2001). His leadership extended to various committees and editorial positions, reflecting his dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and education. He was also actively involved with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Georgia Speech/Hearing Association, North Carolina Speech Language Hearing Association, and the Velocardiofacial Syndrome Educational Foundation, where he served on the Board of Directors.

A pioneer in the field, Dr. Riski authored over 60 publications, contributed to 15 book chapters, and delivered nearly 300 lectures nationally and internationally. His work, published in numerous prestigious journals, significantly advanced the fields of speech assessment and cleft/craniofacial care. He further established the first craniofacial speech fellowship in the country, which provided invaluable mentorship to numerous clinical fellows, many of whom have become leading experts in the field of craniofacial care.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Riski was a compassionate advocate for his patients, known for his charismatic personality and ability to explain complex concepts with captivating analogies. His genuine care and engaging teaching style left a lasting impression on patients, students, and colleagues alike. Jay’s enthusiasm for his work was unmistakable—he was often seen in his signature Hawaiian shirts and famously described work as a vacation every day.

Dr. Riski is survived by his wife, Maureen Cassidy Riski, and their two daughters, Madison Camille Riski and Meredith Cassidy Riski. He is also survived by his siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John Edward Riski Sr. and Virginia May Riski, as well as two siblings.

In recognition of his substantial impact on the field, the ACPA established the John Riski Speech Scholarship to support speech-language pathologists seeking to enhance their expertise in assessing and treating children with cleft and craniofacial conditions. The scholarship was initiated through the collective efforts of Jay’s colleagues, past mentees, and dedicated ACPA members, with special acknowledgment to Joseph Williams, M.D., and Kazlin Mason, Ph.D., for their role in establishing the fund, alongside the support and collaboration of the ACPA Board of Directors. Through this scholarship, Dr. Riski’s legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of the craniofacial speech pathology community and beyond.

The ACPA Board of Directors extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Riski for the The John Riski Speech Scholarship.