During the Boston 2026 World Expo on May 28, 2026, John Hotchner, RDP, introduced Greater Mound City Stamp Club member Alex Haimann (#418) at the signing ceremony for the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, making Haimann the youngest American ever to be inducted.
Haimann was notified in March 2026 that he had been elected to sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists (RDP). The first signer was King George V, whose passion for stamp collecting helped elevate philately around the world. Established in 1921, the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists is widely regarded as philately’s highest international honor. Approximately four philatelists from around the world are elected to sign the Roll each year. The Boston ceremony marked the 100th signing ceremony since the Roll’s inauguration and the first ceremony ever held in the United States.
One of the traditions that makes the ceremony distinctive is that the new signers do not deliver acceptance speeches. Instead, each is introduced by someone who knows them personally before coming forward to sign the Roll. John Hotchner, RDP, delivered the introduction. Haimann said, “His words were extraordinarily generous, and hearing them in the presence of my family, mentors, friends, and colleagues from around the world is a moment I will always treasure. I am so thankful to many close friends from outside the stamp world, along with numerous members of my family – including my parents – who traveled great distances to be at the ceremony.”