Distinguished Alumni Award
Established in 2010, the College of Education and Human Development Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who have brought distinction to their professions and communities.
Recipients span a diverse range of academic disciplines and career paths: business and civic leaders, counselors and social workers, educators and activists, entrepreneurs, and the most dedicated of volunteers. All are community builders and leaders who make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, families, schools, and organizations, and whose achievements bring honor to the college.
Dean Michael C. Rodriuez (photo by Jayme Halbritter)
Centennial 100 distinguished alumni award
As part of the college centennial celebration in 2006 we invited nominations of individuals whose work in the world has contributed to the college’s reputation and impact.
We received many nominations and faced the daunting task of selecting only 100 among these amazing and worthy nominees. The 100 listed here, through their lives and work, have made a positive difference for children, youth, families, schools, institutions, and organizations. In addition to these alumni, we also honor the accomplishments of the 100 College of Human Ecology alumni, many of who are now CEHD alumni.
Ahmad Ajarimah
Ira Aaron
Barbara Ainsworth
Andrea Canter
Carmen Campbell
Margaret Carlson
Marcia Carthaus
Kathleen Cahill
Jean Clarke
Eli Coleman
Mary Corcoran
Mary Brabeck
George Copa
Barbara Dickey
Don Draayer
Kenneth Dragseth
George B. Droubie
Ann Duin
Glenace Edwall
Mary Endorf
Douglas Bryant
Douglas and Lynn Fuchs
William Gardner
Joel Barker
Thomas Griffin
Mearl Guthrie
Susan Hagstrum
Norena Hale
Sunny Sundal Hansen
Jerome Harste
John Haugo
Lowell Hellervik
Karen Matison Hess
Janet Hively
Rosalind Horowitz
Brian Ingvalson
Eloise Jaeger
Wayne Jennings
Scott Johnson
David C. Johnson
James B. Sean Kenney
Sung Soo Kim
Amy Jean Knorr
Paula Laidig
Howard D. Lee
Xiaoming Li
James W. Lichtenberg
Mary Lundeberg
Stanley Madeja
Douglas Marston
R. Paul Marvin
Patricia McLagan
William Mehrens
Kenneth Metz
David Metzen
Mildred "Mike" Mueller
Patricia Irene Mulcahy-Ernt
Ron Olson
Pamela Paulson
Mitchell Pearlstein
Edgar Persons
Robert Pianta
Lowell and Leonard Pratt
Michael Pressley
John Red Horse
Charles Ridley
Kathryn Roberts
Cathy Roller
Jean Rondal
Marilyn Rossmann
Muriel Ryden
Stanley Sahlstrom
Wendy Shannon
Cheol Shin
Thomas Slettehaugh
Karl Smith
Matthew Stark
Kate Steffens
Sharon Louise Studer
Beth Sulzer-Azaroff
Louise Sundin
Mildred Templin
Kay Thomas
Gerald Tindal
Dean Tjosvold
Dorothy Tucker
Charles Turnbull
Margaret Virum
David Walsh
Garry Walz
Colleen Wieck
Larry Wilson
Tong-in Wongsothorn
Frank Wood
Steven Yussen
Distinguished alumni award recipients
Jon Berry
BS, business marketing & education, 2007
Strategic use of marketing skills to generate enthusiasm and community around a shared goal, and your work to elevate BIPOC entrepreneurs
JoAnne Farley
BS, elementary education, 1965
Long career in education and commitment to cooperative learning and embracing new ideas
Julie Furst-Bowe
PhD, vocational education, 1995
Progressive advancement in higher education leadership and work to make the academic world a better place
Ann Mickelson Hebble
MEd, second languages & cultures, 1999
Dedication to English language learners and their families, while seeking solutions to equity issues that affect them
Misty Heggeness
BS, family social science, 1999
MSW/MPP, 2002
PhD, applied economics, 2010
Innovative use of data to address poverty, inequality and decision-making, especially related to gender and economics
Brandon Locke
MEd, second language education and certificate, language immersion education, 2004
Commitment to language learning, teaching, and revitalization, especially of Indigenous languages
Megan Morrissey
MSW, 1989
PhD, social work, 1996
Notable contributions to the U of M School of Social Work, its students, and the broader field
Maureen O'Brien
PhD, child/developmental psychology, 1991
Strong expertise in child development and parenting education, and efforts to support parents through advice and other resources
Richard Olson
PhD, educational psychology, 1980
Empowerment of professionals by leveraging their strengths and coaching to achieve business goals
Jamie Ostrov
MA, child/developmental psychology and certificate, applied developmental psychology, 2003
PhD, child/developmental psychology, 2004
Field-changing study of bullying and firm belief in making child development knowledge accessible to all
Amy Paton
MA, counseling & personnel, 2005
Positive impact on children's mental health as a school counselor and incorporating pet therapy to promote calming for students
Kent Pekel
PhD, educational policy & administration, 2013
Effective bridging of research, practice, and policy, with an emphasis on relationship building, to help all young people thrive
Timothy Zuel
BS, family social science, 1988; PhD, Social Work, 2011
Investment in child welfare, children's mental health, and school engagement through your public service career
Dante Cicchetti
PhD, psychology (CLA/CEHD), 1977
Field-changing study of interventions for depressed and maltreated children, and tremendous contributions to the areas of developmental psychopathology and attachment relations
Cherie Collins Sims
PhD, family social science, 2013
Visionary and strategic efforts to advance racial economic justice, and to create transformative systemic change within families, organizations and communities expertise as a clinician and researcher
2023 Distinguished Alumni
Back left to right: Dante Cicchetti, Elizabeth Franklin, Darnell Logan, Eric Decker, and Ronald Schaefer
Front left to right: Cherie Collins Sims, Ronald Salazar Rojo, Jennifer Sampson, Arunya Tuicomepee, and James Frazee
Eric Decker
BS, business & marketing education and certificate,
human resource development, 2009
Outstanding accomplishments as a college and professional athlete and philanthropic contributions to veterans, children, mental health, and other causes
Ronald Salazar Sojo
PhD, educational policy & administration, 2003
Impact on underrepresented communities through educational leadership that promotes student learning
Elizabeth Franklin
MSW, social work, 2007
Commitment to community-based mental health services by supporting young people and their parents in healing from trauma, and building a culturally-affirming and equitable system for future social workers
Jennifer Sampson
PhD, family social science, 2013
Innovative leadership to prepare therapy professionals, promote social justice, and conduct important research, advocacy, and practice in the areas of hoarding disorders and reproductive mental health
James R. Frazee
BS, natural science, 1967
Notable contributions through a variety of careers and passions, including marketing, website development, entrepreneurship, teaching, and writing
Ronald Schaefer
BA, English, 1971
Groundbreaking work as a linguist to document unwritten languages, and tireless efforts to encourage international study and experiences in higher education
Darnell Logan
MA, educational psychology, 2001
specialist certificate, school psychology, 2002
Dedication to helping improve communities and equip today's students for the future through education, psychological support services, consulting, and community organizing.
Arunya Tuicomepee
PhD, counseling and student personnel, 2007
Achievements as scholar and leader in Thailand in the psychological and educational areas; and for facilitating collaborations between CEHD and Chulalongkorn University
Luke Carlson
BS, kinesiology, 2003
MS, kinesiology, 2012
Entrepreneurial spirit in starting Discover Strength, a Minnesota-based boutique fitness studio, and enthusiasm for leadership development
Lily E. Shih Christ
BA, mathematics education, 1958
BS, mathematics education, 1960
Passion for mathematics education at the college and pre-college level as a professor and director of HI-TECH PREP
2022 Distinguished Alumni
Back Left to Right: Paul Ramseth, Sekou Robertson, Luke Carlson, Dean Michael Rodriguez, and Almas Merchant
Front Left to Right: Lily Christ, Marti Erickson, Jelena Obradovic´, Melanie Nelson, and Judith Ray
Not Pictured: Jon Hubbard and Arunya Tuicomepee
Marti Erickson
MA, educational psychology, 1975
PhD, educational psychology, 1984
Commitment to research, advocacy, and sharing with general audiences on a range of family issues, especially parenting
Jelena Obradovic´
MA, child and developmental psychology, 2005
PhD, child and developmental psychology, 2007
Field-changing study of children’s stress physiology, self-regulation, and impact of caregiving practices
Jon Jay Hubbard
BS, child and developmental psychology, 1991
MA, child and developmental psychology, 1994
PhD, child and developmental psychology, 1997
International efforts to treat survivors of torture using research on resilience
Paul R. Ramseth
BS, language arts education, 1964
MA, educational administration, 1968
PhD, education policy and leadership, 2018
Dedication to personal achievement, education, and equity as a successful teacher, principal, coach, and volunteer
Almas J. Merchant
BS, early childhood education foundations, 2013
Med, special education, 2017
Teaching and leadership to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities
Judith D. Ray
PhD, kinesiology, 1996
Lifelong tenacity to overcome gender and racial barriers in sport and higher education, and impact on a variety of fields, including biomechanics, recreation, and law
Melanie Ann Nelson
BS, family relationships, 1974
BS, home economics education, 1977
Visionary founding of Learning ZoneXpress, creating educational material that promotes healthy nutrition, child development, and literacy; and lifelong investment in empowering others
Sekou Robertson
BS, elementary education, 2002
Innovative work to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree as principal of LEARN Excel charter school
Arunya Tuicomepee
PhD, counseling and student personnel, 2007
Achievements as scholar and leader in Thailand in the psychological and educational areas; and for facilitating collaborations between CEHD and Chulalongkorn University
Marion Barber, Jr.
BA, youth studies, 2017
Strong role model throughout a distinguished athletic career and in educating and coaching future generations of young people.
Jerry Becker
BS, education, 1959
Nationally recognized for scholarship, mentorship, and teaching of mathematics education and a commitment to advancing the field through teacher preparation.
Theresa Ganley
BS, physical education, 1979
History-maker with an exceptional athletic record and a coaching career that focused on the life and growth of student athletes.
Ryan Saunders
BS, sports studies, 2008
Innovator in player development of athletes at the highest level both on and off the court.
Bryan Jackson
BS, elementary education, 2002
Driver of equity and anti-racism through organizational growth, partnerships, and coaching.
Natalie Standridge
BS, family social science, 1999
Founder of Casa de Corazón, committed to teaching social responsibility in addition to Spanish immersion and multicultural education.
Peter Kuchinke
PhD, work, family, and community education, 1997
Providing outstanding contributions to the field of human resource development with a demonstrated excellence in teaching.
Susan Stanek
BS, family relationships, 1978
PhD, vocational education, 1997
Accomplishments in leadership development and the design and implementation of corporate mentorship programs
Michael Lehan
BS, family social science, 2003
Inspirational builder of agency among his community of scholars to advance access and opportunity while cultivating social resilience and academic excellence.
Nim Tottenham
PhD, child/developmental psychology, 2005
Cutting-edge research into the neurodevelopment of children and adolescents to better understand the role of early experiences in human brain development.
Larry Lundblad
PhD, vocational education, 1994
Transformational higher education administrator with a distinguished career in public service to the state of Minnesota.
Kathryn Tout
PhD, child/developmental psychology, 1997
Commitment to early childhood education research and partnerships that build equitable experiences and outcomes for young children and their families.
Regina McNeil
PhD, educational psychology, 1984
Empowering students with disabilities and mental health issues and their families, as well as promoting equity in schools.
Steven Unowsky
MA, educational psychology, 1997
Change leader whose vision and dedication closed the student graduation gap in the Richfield School District.
Dolores Merrill
BS, mathematics, 1952
Technology pioneer as a programmer and trainer at IBM for more than three decades.
Corey Yeager
PhD, family social science, 2018
Facilitating meaningful change through therapeutic practice, education of service providers, and courageous conversations about race.
Alumni society award of excellence
Juliana Carlson
PhD, social work, 2013
Dedication to ending gender-based violence through scholarship and community engagement focused on men.
K. Giddings
MSW, social work, 2004
Empowering students with disabilities and mental health issues and their families, as well as promoting equity in schools.
Keith Ballard
BS in sports studies, 2016
Ballard played 10 years in the National Hockey League (NHL), including an appearance in the Stanley Cup finals with the Vancouver Canucks and finishing his career on the Minnesota Wild. While a student at the U of M, he played on two NCAA national championship teams and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top college men’s ice hockey player.
Linda Cohen
MA in educational psychology, 1985
PhD educational psychology, 1986
Cohen earned her PhD as a mid-career change. She became a licensed psychologist, practicing for 20 years. In her previous roles, she taught at Blake School and became the director of the middle school. She also led a major partnership with Henry High School and TCF Bank. This spring, she completed a 12-year term on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, including a two year term as chair.
Back Left to Right: Katherine Tunheim, Iris HeavyRunner PrettyPaint, Keith Ballard, Bradford Hosack, David Vick, Charlie Miller, John Hoffman, and Randall Peterson. In front from left, Roscoe Smith, Alice King Moormann, Steve Permuth, Linda Cohen, Jean Quam, and Martha Russell.
Penny George
MA in educational psychology, 1972
George co-founded Sellergren-George Consulting Psychologists, where she helped senior executives select for and build high-performing teams. Today she is board chair of the George Family Foundation and a leader in the national movement to transform medicine and healthcare through the principles and practices of integrative medicine. She also serves on the board of the foundation that supports the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing at Allina Health in Minneapolis.
Randall Peterson
BS in agricultural education, 1986
MA in educational psychology, 1990
Peterson is professor of organizational behavior and director of the Leadership Institute at the London Business School. He is an internationally known expert in leadership, team and board dynamics, and conflict management. With a non-traditional background as a social psychologist in a business school, he has conducted research on how chief executive officer personality can affect organizational outcomes; leadership of diverse teams; and board effectiveness.
John Hoffman
MA in educational administration, 1997
PhD in educational administration, 2000
Hoffman has been the vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the University of Minnesota Crookston since July 2018. He previously worked at California State University, Fullerton; Cal State Long Beach; and Concordia University in Irvine, in roles including dean of students, professor, department chair, and doctoral program director. John has built a record of growing and diversifying student enrollments, promoting educational equity, and increasing faculty and staff diversity.
Iris HeavyRunner-PrettyPaint
MSW in social work, 1997
PhD in social work, 2009
HeavyRunner-PrettyPaint is an internationally recognized expert in Native cultural resiliency and Indigenous evaluation methods. A member of the Blackfeet/Crow tribe, she has more than 35 years of experience as a researcher, evaluator, and educator, and is currently vice president for project management at Kauffman & Associates, an American Indian- and woman-owned management consulting firm. She has a longtime interest in building resilience and persistence for Native students pursuing higher education.
Bradford Hosack
MA in curriculum and instruction, 2010
Hosack, a lifelong learner, educator, and inventor, is dedicated to changing the way students learn through the design and development of educational software. As a graduate student in CEHD, he teamed up with Charles Miller to co-create Flipgrid—a video platform for recording and sharing student voices. Hosack is currently vice president of engineering and product technology for Carnegie Learning.
Martha Russell
MA in home economics, 1976
MA in family social science, 1976
PhD in educational administration, 1983
Russell is executive director of mediaX at Stanford University and a senior research scholar at the Stanford Human Sciences and Technology Advanced Research Institute. She is an innovation orchestrator who has established collaborative research initiatives and technology leadership in information communication technologies for national agencies and for technology companies. She also serves on several editorial/advisory boards and has started and advises several startup companies.
Charlie Miller
PhD in curriculum and instruction, 2007
Miller helped to establish and lead the Institute for Design Innovation in CEHD, now known as Educational Technology Innovations or ETI. His early groundwork positioned CEHD as a pioneer in sharing research-based best practices and interventions with teachers. He co-founded Flipgrid—a video platform for recording and sharing student voices which was acquired by Microsoft in 2018. Today, he is partner general manager of Flipgrid at Microsoft.
Roscoe Smith
PhD in educational administration, 1972
Smith had a 40-year career as a classroom teacher, youth leader, and administrator focused on supporting students and encouraging family involvement. He was the first African American male to be promoted from teacher to an administrative position with the Dallas Independent School District. He designed and implemented the district’s first Central Parent Advisory Council, which was recognized as a national model, and later founded the Texas Parent Coordinating Council.
Alice Moormann
BS in art education, 1960
Moormann has dedicated more than five decades to the important work of voter education and participation in democracy. She became a volunteer with the League of Women Voters Minneapolis at the time of the Vietnam War as a way to learn more about the political process. Since then she has served in many positions for the Minneapolis and statewide leagues, including volunteer coordinator, nominations chair, and co-president twice.
Katherine Tunheim
PhD in work and human resource education, 2008
Tunheim is an expert in organizational behavior, human resource development, and strategy. She had a 25-year career in the corporate sector, managing training and leadership programs at three different companies and running her own consulting firm. After earning her PhD, she joined the faculty of Gustavus Adolphus College, teaching courses on public speaking, management principles, and leadership. She recently was named the inaugural vice president for mission, strategy, and innovation at Gustavus.
Steven Permuth
BS in mathematics, 1966
PhD in educational administration, 1977
Permuth’s career as an educator began at North High, where he was a math teacher after completing his bachelor’s degree. He returned to the U and earned a doctorate in educational administration, which led him to faculty and administrative roles at three universities. Today, he is a professor at the University of South Florida, where he also served as dean of the College of Education.
David Vick
BS in elementary education, 1967
MA, Educational Administration 1973
PhD Educational Administration 1987
Vick’s career included roles as teacher, program coordinator, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He is particularly proud that as superintendent in Lake Bluff, Illinois, he helped passage of a building referendum, resulting in selling one outdated school, tearing down two old buildings, constructing a LEED-Certified elementary school, and remodeling the middle school.
Sharon K. Augenstein
MA, home economics, 1980
EdD, educational administration, 1999
Pioneering work as a woman in higher education who provided leadership for the technical college system in times of change
Elizabeth M. Bennett
AA, child welfare, 1950
The difference you have made on the quality of health care in our community, especially for children and seniors, through your volunteer service
Back Left to Right: Neal Nickerson, Sharon Augenstein, Elizabeth Bennett, Candice Nadler, David Wettergren, and Carol Johnson-Dean
Front Left to Right: Sandra Christenson, Sumitra Dorner in place of Stephanie Cooper-Lewter, Hattie Kauffman, Mona Dougherty, Catherine Rich, and Michael Leimbach
Sandra L. Christenson
BS, child psychology, 1968
PhD, educational psychology, 1988
Outstanding contributions to the field of school psychology and research on student and family engagement including the development of Check and Connect
Mary Hutson
BA, social work, 1967
Tireless support for and enrichment of New York City's diverse children and families
Stephanie Kripa Cooper-Lewter
MSW, social work, 1999
Longtime work to promote equal opportunity for all as a leader in the nonprofit world
Carol Johnson-Dean
MA, elementary education, 1980
EdD, educational administration, 1997
Fearless, trailblazing leadership and reform of diverse urban school districts across the country
Mona C. Dougherty
BS, elementary education, 1980
Exceptional work as a literacy specialist and meaningful community contributions through volunteer service and philanthropy
Michael Paul Leimbach
PhD, child psychology, 1990
Pioneering efforts to improve the training, enhance the performance, and promote the personal development of employees and workplace leaders in organizations worldwide
Margery Duffey
PhD, secondary education, 1967
Lifelong dedication to building and sustaining nursing education
David L. Wettergren
EdD, education, 1970
Notable career in public education, meaningful contributions to healthcare systems, business, and volunteer service, and commitment to integrated holistic healing
Alumni society award of excellence
Candice Nadler
MA, early childhood education, 1982
Service in the fields of arts and culture, education, and community partnerships
Catherine Rich
BS, elementary education, 1985
Service in the field of education, and your professional and community leadership
Dean’s diversity impact award
Hattie Kauffman
BS, political science, 1977
Contributions to journalism as a national correspondent, and your impact on behalf of the American Indian community
Rachel Adler
MSW, Social Work, 1980
Pioneering contributions to modern Jewish thought
Elizabeth B. Anderson
B.S., Home Economics Education, 1946 & M.Ed., 1955
Pioneering contributions and tireless advocacy on behalf of victims of domestic violence
Martha Elizabeth Andresen Wilder
B.S., Education, 1966
Distinguished career as a professor, Shakespearean scholar, and educator, in the widest sense possible and beyond the academy
Kenneth D. Pedersen
M.A., Educational Administration, 1961 & Specialist Certificate, Secondary School Administration, 1980
Inspiring and effective leadership in secondary school education and administration
Stephanie Kripa Cooper-Lewter
Ph.D., Educational Policy & Administration, 1997
Extraordinary leadership at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs as faculty member, academic officer, and dean
Verna Cornelia Price
M.A., Educational Administration, 1990 & Ph.D., Educational Policy and Administration, 1996
Distinguished career as an author, organizational consultant, motivational speaker, executive coach, and educator
Mary Jo Czaplewski
Ph.D., Educational Administration, 1981
Leadership in higher education and public policy related to families
Carrie Sampson Moore
B.S., Physical Education, 1989 & M.A., Kinesiology, 2001
Field-leading program development in the area of student and staff health and wellness
Constance Hoyt Dawson
B.S., Recreation Leadership, 1955 & B.S., Elementary Education, 1970
Life’s work in serving the needs of parents and their children, and significant contributions as an educator, therapist, and author
Lewis R. Stern
M.A., Educational Psychology, 1976 & Ph.D., Educational Psychology, 1977
Multiple and pioneering contributions to the study and promotion of holistic personal and professional development
Norena A. Hale
Ph.D., Educational Administration, 1979
Commitment to the public education of children with disabilities and exemplary documentation of the evolution and history of special education in Minnesota
Bo Thao-Urabe
B.S., Family Social Science, 1994
Local, national, and global efforts to empower refugee women and girls and work for gender justice in Hmong communities
Bernadeia Johnson
Ed. D., Educational Policy and Administration, 2012
Committed and courageous leadership of educational equity for all Minnesota students, especially those who are most disenfranchised
Wendy Kay Bakken Watson
M.A., Educational Psychology, 1987
Long career of advocacy on behalf of vulnerable children, especially those with disabilities
Joyce Kloncz
M.Ed., Elementary Education, 1981
Extraordinary volunteer service engaging Arizona alumni and promoting the University of Minnesota
Farrell J. Webb
Ph.D., Family Social Science, 1994
Distinguished career as professor, researcher, and leader in higher education
Noel R. Larson
MSW, 1967 & Ph.D., Social Work, 1980
Field-shaping research in human sexuality
Eddie E. Williams
Ph.D., Educational Psychology, 1975
Outstanding career helping veterans as a psychologist, statistical consultant, and professor
David Legvold
M.A., Educational Administration, 1974
Dedicated service as a teacher and commitment to conservation and environmental education
Thomas F. Wilson
Ph.D., Educational Administration, 1984
Exemplary leadership and significant contributions as a school administrator, public servant, and entrepreneur of innovative technologies
Jane Brush Lillestol
B.S., Home Economics Education,1969; M.A., Family Social Science, 1973; M.S., Home Economics, 1976 & Ph.D., Educational Administration, 1977
Contributions to higher education through distinguished administration leadership at several universities, including North Dakota State and Syracuse University
Chace B. Anderson
Ph.D., education, 1996
Outstanding leadership in public school education
John R. Anderson
B.S., physical education, 1977
Developing all-around student-athletes who excel on the field and in the classroom, and for leading the Golden Gopher baseball program for 35 years and more than 1200 victories
Theresa F. Battle
M.A., educational administration, 1994
Ed.D., organizational leadership, policy and development, 2015
Many years of distinguished and dedicated service to the students, families and school districts of Minneapolis, Osseo and Saint Paul; focus on building success through relationships; and commitment to the improvement of administrator preparation
Susan R. Madsen
Ed.D., work community family education, 2001
Outstanding academic career, including groundbreaking research on women's leadership, both nationally and internationally, and founding of influential leadership networks
Patrick J. Campbell
B.S., recreation leadership, 1954
Entrepreneurial vision and achievements, strong self-determination in forging success from humble roots, and commitment to giving back to community in many meaningful ways
Kevin S. McGrew
Ph.D., educational psychology, 1989
Innovative, transnational efforts to combine psychological and statistical theory and methods with applied practice in psychology and education
Elizabeth L. Craig
B.S., home economics education, 1973
Outstanding success as a master career strategist, author, speaker, and consultant
MaryAnn E. Nelson
B.S., english, 1969
Ph.D., educational administration, 1980
Outstanding career in public school education and community leadership
Ganie B. De Hart
Ph.D., child psychology, 1990
Academic career as an outstanding teacher and researcher in the psychology of sibling relationships
Daniel P. O’Keefe
M.A., geography, 1974
Leadership in education, government, business, athletics, and international service
Robert D. Enright
Ph.D., educational psychology, 1976
Leading expertise in the psychology and practice of forgiveness, and work to promote reconciliation following painful tragedies and conflicts
Russell J. Skiba
M.A., educational psychology, 1983
Ph.D., educational psychology, 1987
Many theoretical and practical contributions to our understanding and management of school violence, school discipline, and equity in education
Louellen N. Essex
B.S., speech & theatre arts, 1970
Ph.D., educational administration, 1979
Success and recognition across many sectors helping businesses and organizations develop leadership, build strong teams, manage change and plan for the future
Gretchen M. Stein
B.S., family relationships, 1977
M.A., home economics, 1978
Ph.D., family social science, 1985
Significant contributions to behavioral health care delivery through the Sand Creek Group as well as leadership through community service
Carole A. Gupton
Ph.D., educational administration, 1986
Distinguished career in education and commitment to developing culturally responsive learning environments
Curtis L. Swenson
B.S., education, 1957
M.A., curriculum & instruction, 1960
Outstanding career as a teacher, coach, school administrator, and successful transition to business sales and management
Jill K. Linder
B.S., Hebrew, 1976
Administrative and pedagogical leadership in Jewish education
Charles A. Walkinshaw
M.A., agricultural education, 1989
Leadership in international education and a significant record of service to education and development in agriculture, resource management, and conservation both in the United States and internationally
Belle M. Yaffe
B.S., education, 1970
Life's work in serving the needs of diverse children and families, and contributions to the American Indian community
Ron O. Anderson
M.A., education, 1990
Ph.D., educational psychology, 1994
Innovative leadership in the field of higher education, including your commitment to providing diverse students with multiple paths to success
Donald F. Bibeau
M.S.W., social work, 1997
Ed.D., work community family education, 2005
Leadership in education and mentorship of generations of students
Reggie L. Bicha
M.S.W., social work, 2000
Leadership in human services and child welfare at the state level
Nancy J. Latini
B.S., elementary education, 1965
Ph.D., educational administration, 1985
Significant contributions to special education and your esteemed career in educational leadership at the state level
Judith Becker Bryant
Ph.D., child psychology, 1981
Outstanding teaching and research in cognitive and developmental psychology, especially in language development
Don E. Lifto
Ph.D., educational administration, 1995
Significant contributions to K-12 education as a superintendent and a consultant
Pi Nian Chang
M.A., industrial education, 1968
Ph.D., education, 1974
Groundbreaking efforts to better diagnose and treat fetal alcohol syndrome disorder among Minnesota's children
Joseph D. Novak
B.S., science education, 1952
M.S., science education, 1954
Landmark contributions to science education and to theories of knowledge creation and communication
Chen Chen
Ph.D., education, 2004
Commitment to families, and your innovation in fashion design and entrepreneurial leadership
Natalie D. Rasmussen
B.S., life science, 1990
Ph.D., education curriculum and instruction, 2006
Outstanding teaching in science education, your commitment to mentoring young people, and public school leadership
Eleida M. Gomez
M.S.W., social work, 1966
Outstanding contributions to school social work and administrative services in the Chicago Public Schools and throughout the community
Marilyn M. Sauer
B.S., elementary education, 1950
Leadership in teacher training, public school administration, and community building
Yardena H. Harpaz
M.A., educational administration, 1975
Ph.D., educational administration, 1977
Leadership in international education, especially in the state of Israel
Ron Strand
B.S., curriculum and instruction, 1960
Outstanding career spanning sales, education, and business, as well as your community leadership and service
Delores Henderson
Ph.D., educational administration, 1982
Half century of achievement in promoting both excellence and equity in K-12 education as a St. Paul teacher, principal and innovator
Amy S. Tolbert
Ph.D., education, 1990
Founding of ECCO International, your multicultural competency, your proficiency as a presenter, consultant, author, and trainer
Raleigh Kaminsky
B.S., secondary education, 1972
Many significant contributions during your 40 year career at the U of MN and your service to CEHD and the broader University community
Lindsay M. Whalen
B.S., sports studies, 2006
Commitment to being a positive role model and inspiration to so many, particularly girls and young women
John A. Kundla
B.S., education, 1939
Outstanding contributions to the physical and social development of young adults, particularly as a coach at the college and professional levels
Annie Wilson
B.S., elementary education, 1991
Tireless advocacy on behalf of our most vulnerable citizens by helping to bring awareness and build solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges
Holly K. Zanville
Ph.D., educational administration, 1976
Bold efforts across the educational spectrum to modernize and optimize the structures, systems, and processes that impact student success
Marilyn R. Armour
M.A., social work, 1968
Ph.D., social work, 2000
Distinguished academic career at the University of Texas at Austin as a faculty member, and important contributor to the field of restorative justice
Joyce A. Stephens Bell
A.A., general education, 1967
B.S., elementary education, 1970
M.A., elementary education, 1985
Ed.D., educational policy & administration, 1999
Distinguished career in K-12 education as a teacher and principal, and commitment to educational equity
Eric G. Campbell
M.A., education, 1993
Ph.D., education, 1996
Research and policy work that is improving health services nationwide
C. Mary Mackbee
M.A., educational administration, 1979
Exceptional educational leadership and commitment to closing the achievement gap at Central High School in St. Paul, Minnesota
Rita M. Davern
M.Ed., family education, 2003
Leadership in family education, partnering with parents and organizations to support and promote healthy families
Anita Mallory
B.S., kindergarten & elementary education, 1968
Trajectory from kindergarten teacher to one of the top Mary Kay saleswomen in the world
Jan S. Greenberg
Ph.D., family social science, 1987
Leadership in higher education and groundbreaking research on the role of parents caring for mentally ill and autistic children
Candice J. Nadler
M.Ed., early childhood education, 1982
Ph.D., educational administration, 1990
Career as an outstanding counselor, philanthropist and community leader
Mindy G. Greiling
M.A., elementary education, 1974
Career as an educator and distinguished Minnesota legislator
Irene M. Ott
M.S., home economics, 1968
Distinguished career as a home economist, focusing on farm and home management for low-income families
Debra K. Harless
M.A., educational psychology, 1987
Ph.D., educational psychology, 1995
Outstanding service as a leader, team builder, counselor, faculty member, and administrator in higher education
Gary S. Prest
B.S., elementary education, 1972
M.Ed., elementary education, 1975
Ph.D., educational administration, 1993
Outstanding leadership in public school education as a teacher, principal and superintendent
Anne L. Helmholz
B.S., education, 1967
Career as founder and executive director of Literacy Source, working to build a literate community and promote self sufficiency
Joan M. Solomon
B.S., speech pathology, 1967
Accomplished artist who is committed to promoting sustainability and connection to nature through art
Ann L. Jaede
B.S., education, 1957
M.A., education, 1965
Distinguished career in juvenile justice working to prevent teen pregnancy, fetal alcohol syndrome, and child sexual abuse
Henry W. Terrell
Ph.D., educational administration, 1974
Exceptional career as a principal, associate superintendent and educational consultant
Julie M. Jensen
B.S., elementary education, 1965
M.A., curriculum & instruction, 1970
Ph.D., educational administration, 1974
Distinguished academic career in language arts at the University of Texas at Austin, and many civic contributions to the community of Hutchinson, Minnesota
Velma H. Terrell
Ph.D., educational administration, 1979
Leadership in K-12 education as a counselor and principal, and passionate advocate for student achievement
Penny M. Kodrich
D.L., educational administration, 1986
Dedication to youth, families, schools and community and administrative leadership in special education and special services for students
Hope Bouvette Thornberg
M.A., industrial education, 1975
Ph.D., education, 1979
Extraordinary career and wide-ranging contributions as an educator, administrator, nurse, and pilot
Michael J. Lovett
M.A., educational administration, 1973
Ph.D., educational administration, 1979
Career as a distinguished educator, administrator and passionate advocate for students
Dorothy J. Van Soest
M.S.W., social work, 1975
Commitment to promoting social justice through leadership in social work education
Jacalyn W. Weissenburger
B.S., elementary education, 1972
Ph.D., educational psychology, 2003
Distinguished career as a school psychologist, school counselor, teacher, and educational leader
- 2013 CEHD distinguished alumni award recipients
- 2012 CEHD distinguished alumni award recipients
- 2011 CEHD distinguished alumni award recipients
- 2010 CEHD distinguished alumni award recipients