Application for all Award Nominations
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 in August each year to be considered for the fall conference award. Nomination application forms and letters of support are submitted online. 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.
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.
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 management position that has consistently given support to the advancement of activity and recreation services and the profession. 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.
Fill Out an Online Excellence in Administration Award Nomination
Interested in nominating someone you know is deserving of these awards?
Complete the online nomination forms above by August 22. 2025 for the fall conference recognition.
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
2020 No awards due to COVID
2021 No awards due to COVID
2022 No awards due to COVID
2023 Martha Titus
2024 Jocelyn Jacoby
*Recipient of the NAAP Activity Professional of the Year award
