About the Award:
The Truman State University Alumni Association created the Bulldog Forever Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012 to honor a volunteer leader for exemplary service to the University through the Alumni Association or any of its affiliated organizations. In 2019, the name of the award was changed to the Denise L. Smith Volunteer of the Year Award in honor of the late Denise Smith, who served as the director of alumni relations at Truman for many years.
This award recognizes individuals who have sustained outstanding volunteer service to Truman State University through the Alumni Association and reflects length and depth of service on the part of the recipient.
Each year, one award is given to a member of the Truman Alumni Association who is a current member of a chapter and/or club. The Alumni Association encourages and appreciates the financial support of alumni gifts to the University. However, the Volunteer Award is intended for and elevates the service and time given to the University by our volunteers.
Nomination Criteria:
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- Have an exemplary record of making a significant contribution of volunteer time, talents, and service to Truman State University, particularly within the past year (July 1 – June 30).
- Provide a significant contribution toward the mission of Truman State University and/or the mission of the Alumni Association.
- Advance the goals of the Alumni Association Strategic Plan.
Previous Recipients
- 2024: Nick Ponche (’17)
- 2023: Brad Borgstede (’80)
- 2022: Brian Krippner (’89)
- 2021: JoEllen (Flanagan) Engelbart (’11)
- 2020: Hope (Slaby) Harms (’07)
- 2019: John W. Davison (’75, ’81, ’84)
- 2018: Phillip Campbell (’06)
- 2017: Gerald Hollingsworth (’67) & Karol Hollingsworth
- 2016: Marsha Redmon (’79)
- 2016: Chris Wiedmeyer (’96)
- 2015: Naomal “Vid” Vidyasagara (’92)
- 2014: Michael A. Wilson (’91)
- 2013: Tania Cook (’85)
- 2012: Will Sass (’72, ’77)