Application for Award Nominations is Now Closed! Join us at the fall conference to learn who will receive these awards.
MNSWAP Award Nomination Information
Each year at the fall conference, MNSWAP honors individuals who have excelled and stood out in supporting the activity profession and aging services. Members of MNSWAP have the opportunity to nominate an individual(s) who they feel have gone above and beyond in their commitment and service in promoting quality of life to our residents and seniors. The following categories are available for nomination.
All nomination applications are due July 1st of each year to be considered for the fall conference award. Nomination applications forms and letters of support are mailed to the current MNSWAP Vice President. The nominees receiving any of the above awards may be considered for the awards given by the National Association of Activity Professionals.
Nomination Forms
Activity Professional Award of Excellence
The professional nominated for this award has made a significant impact in the activity/recreation profession, emphasizing their contributions to the quality of life for the aging population. They have shown dedication and service through accomplishments in their facility and leadership in local, state, and/or national organizations. The nominee can be an individual working as a director or assistant in the field of activities/recreation/leisure services, and must be a current member of the MNSWAP organization.
Download an Award of Excellence Nomination Form (pdf) Fill Out an Online Activity Professional Award of Excellence NominationVolunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to a person or group of individuals engaging in regular, unpaid volunteer activity-oriented service within a facility or agency of which a MNSWAP member is employed.
Download a Volunteer or the Year Nomination Form (pdf)Fill Out an Online Volunteer of the Year NominationExcellence in Administration Award
This award is presented to an Administrator, Executive Director, CEO, or someone in a similar position that has consistently given support to the advancement of activity and recreation services and the profession. To nominate an individual for this award, the nominating person must be a current MNSWAP member. The nominee will have significantly supported the MNSWAP Activity/Recreation Professional in their contribution to the health and resident’s quality of life of the facility/agency; supported the activity/recreation professional’s role in local, state, and/or national activity professional associations, continuing education endeavors, and professionalism.
Download an Excellence in Administration Nomination Form (pdf)Fill Out an Online Excellence in Administration Award Nomination
Congratulations to MNSWAP’s 2019 Award Winners!
Activity Professional of the Year
Tish Peterson from Parkview Home in Belview
In her 30 years as an Activity Professional, Tish has made a huge impact in the activity field. She is a visionary, team player, leader, role model, and so much more. Tish has been involved with MNSWAP at both the state and regional level. Congratulation Tish!
Excellence in Administration
Jason Nelson, Administrator at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo
Jason supports and encourages his activity staff to attend MNSWAP events and other continuing education opportunities. He helps with activity programs, assists with outings, and in looking for ways to enhance the use of technology for the residents. Congratulations Jason!
Volunteer of the Year
Kris Swanson from Birchwood Senior Living
Kris loves volunteering with the seniors of Birchwood from doing fundraising to driving the bus for outings to visiting one on one with the seniors. She is full of ideas and always willing to help. Congratulations Kris!
Interested in nominating someone you know is deserving of these awards?
Download one of the nomination forms above and mail to MNSWAP Vice President or Email Jess Karstens
Submit nominations to the MN SWAP Board by July 1st for next year’s conference.
MNSWAP Past Recipients of the Activity Professional of the Year Award
1986 Ruth Hastings
1987 Karen Jopp
1988 Jill Ronstrom
1989 Nadine Touhey
1990 Yvonne McTaggert
1991 Barb Becker
1992 Diane Gibson
1993 Beth Wizik
1994 Pam Hayle
1995 Randee Sell
1996 Linda Schmidt
1997 Julie Reginek
1998 Jack Coltrain
1999 Becky Arnold*
2000 Holly Heitkamp
2001 Debbie Blake
2002 Bonnie Hintz
2003 Betty Braegelman
2004 Steve Heikkala
2005 Polly Schneider
2006 Denise Hays
2007 Su Stigney
2008 Beverly Taylor
2009 Karen Lloyd
2010 Gail Ochsendorf
2011 Karen Laughlin
2012 Carolyn Bothwell
2013 Liz Jurichson
2014 Nancy Schwartz*
2015 Cindy Henning
2016 Annette Gunnerson*
2017 Kara Reiser
2018 Jane Chagnon
2019 Tish Peterson
*Recipient of the NAAP Activity Professional of the Year award
