The William Kaula Award for Publication Service recognizes unselfish service to the scientific community through extraordinary dedication to, and exceptional efforts on behalf of, the AGU publications program. Individuals may be recognized for such contributions as outstanding reviewing, editorial service beyond expectations, or innovative leadership. Alexander J. Dessler received the award at the 2003 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California. It is particularly fitting that recognition of exceptional service on behalf of AGU's publications be named in honor of William Kaula. As is true of so much of what Bill contributed to science, he gave unstintingly of his talents and energies to AGU's publications. He served as editor of Reviews of Geophysics and JGR-Solid Earth. He led the development of a number of policies and practices during his service on the Publications Committee that continue to serve us well. He was a mentor to more junior scientists serving as journal associate editors and editors. And always he pressed for the highest standards for AGU journals.