Distinguished Service Award
The nominee of this award will have a positive history/association with MN public education. The recipient will have contributed/participated in activities that improve Minnesota's public education system on a statewide basis and have a reputation as a person that willingly goes the extra mile. This award is presented at the MASA Spring Conference.
Stay tuned for nominations for the 2025-26 school year!
Background
MASA has periodically selected recipients to receive the MASA Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented at the MASA Spring Conference.
Selection Criteria
The recipient of the Distinguished Service Award will:
- Have a positive history/association with Minnesota public education. This history/association may be directly tied to the learning process such as practicing administrator, teacher, etc. OR indirectly such as legislator, professional organization employee, member of the media, etc.
- Have contributed/participated in activities that improve Minnesota’s public education system on a statewide basis.
- Have a reputation as a person that willingly goes the extra mile.
Selection Procedure
- Any member of MASA may nominate a person for this award using the MASA nominating form.
- Nominations must be made by January 15, 2024.
- The MASA Executive Committee will review the nominations and recommend a recipient or recipients to the Board of Directors.
The Award
- The award will be made at the MASA Spring Conference.
- The recipient will be presented with an individual plaque and certificate.
- A news release will be distributed to pertinent media in the coverage area of the recipient(s).
Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award
2025
Dan Bittman
2024
Jerry Robicheau
2023
Barb Nicol
2022
Tom Melcher
2021
No Selection
2020
Gary Amoroso
2019
Janet Mohr
2018
Governor Mark Dayton
2017
Kenneth Dragseth
2017
Charles Kyte
2016
Congressman John Kline
2015
Senator LeRoy Stumpf
2014
Arne Carlson
2013
Mindy Greiling
2012
Mary Cecconi
2011
Robert H. Bruininks
2010
David Walsh
2009
James McCormick
2008
Al Quie
2007
Donald M. Fraser
2007
Arthur J. Rolnick
2006
John B. Davis
2005
John Gunyou
2005
Jay Kiedrowski
2004
Jim Luoma
2003
Howard Casmey
2002
Neal Nickerson
2001
Tom Melcher
2000
Tom Nelson
2000
Dan Bryan
1999
Robert Wedl
1998
Don Vellenga
1998
John Roche
1997
Doug Skor
1997
Glen Shaw
1996
Arthur Naftalin
1993
Madden's Resort
1992
James J Renier
1991
Ralph Brynelson
1990
Philip Tanney
1989
Willard Baker
1988
Erling Johnson
1986
Ralph Brynelson
1986
Governor Rudy Perpich
1985
Murrae Freng
1984
Roger Erickson, WCCO Radio
1983
Bill Wettergren
1983
John Feda