AWARDS AND
HONORS
The South Dakota Higher Education Association has a strong tradition honoring its members for their outstanding service. The many recipients of the Patrick Merrigan Award for Distinguished Service and the Marcus Boesen Memorial Award represent some of the best South Dakota has to offer in the field of Student Affairs. We have been proud to call these individuals members and friends throughout the years and are honored to continue offering these prestigious awards.
2021 Award Winners
Kayte Haggerty (SDSU) - Patrick Merrigan Award
McKenzie Hassebroek (NSU) - Robert J. Courtney Award
Katie Grayson (SDSU) - Marcus Boesen Memorial Award
Joseph Avanzado (SDSU) - Spirit of Change Award (one-time award)
Patrick Merrigan Award for Distinguished Service
This award is presented to a member of SDHEA who has exhibited outstanding leadership within the individual’s institution and area of responsibility and who has significantly contributed to the profession and to SDHEA. Individuals are nominated by the general membership.
Marcus Boesen Memorial Award
This award is made to a SDHEA member who shows outstanding contributions to the overall development of students, to their educational institution and to SDHEA and student affairs. Candidates must be employed in their first four years in a student personnel related profession at a South Dakota post-secondary institution. Individuals are nominated by the general membership.