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:

1. 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.
2. Have contributed/participated in activities that improve Minnesota’s public education system on a statewide basis.
3. Have a reputation as a person that willingly goes the extra mile.

Selection Procedure

1. Any member of MASA may nominate a person for this award using the MASA nominating form.
2. Nominations must be made by January 15, 2024.
3. The MASA Executive Committee will review the nominations and recommend a recipient or recipients to the Board of Directors.

The Award

1. The award will be made at the MASA Spring Conference.
2. The recipient will be presented with an individual plaque and certificate.
3. 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