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You are here: Home / Awards

Awards

Application for all Award Nominations is Now Open!

 

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 Nomination

Volunteer 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 Nomination

Excellence 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!

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

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  • To provide a source of mutual support and sharing of ideas for all persons in the field of activity programming.
  • To promote and offer educational opportunities that specifically address the Activity Professional and the needs of the people they serve.
  • To work with other professional groups, regulatory agencies and provider representatives to insure the delivery of activity services in a coordinated, client oriented atmosphere.
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About MN SWAP

MNSWAP is one of the nation’s leader in state activity organizations.  For over 35 years, we have been offering affordable quality education events designed to support and prepare activity professionals in aging services careers.  In addition to the statewide opportunities, regional meetings and educational events occur throughout the state.

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