Outstanding Citizen Award Recipients

Gene and Mary Jacobsen Outstanding Citizen Award Recipients

2008		Edwina Garcia Edwina was recognized for her past public service as a State Representative and Council Member. She was also recognized for being an advocate for low-income families and Richfield's growing Latino population. She has been involved in numerous other organizations within Richfield.
2007		Lerae Finn Serving first as a volunteer and then as Program Director at Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP), has worked over the past 26 years to advocate and provide a better quality of life for the local low-income population.
2006		Nicole York Nicole York began “Shoes for Students” to provide new pairs of athletic shoes and socks to school-aged children in need, with the belief that children returning to school need encouragement and resources to meet their physical as well as emotional needs.

2005		Arc’s Value Village Arc serves children and adults with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It's resale store generates over $1 million annually.

2004		Howard Bunce Former City Council member and Initiator of 4th of July celebrations.

2003		Russ Susag Former City Council member and longtime civic leader. Noted for HRC liaison role and community service work.

2002		Virginia Morris Augsburg Park Librarian noted for her work expanding programs to Richfield’s growing immigrant communities. (This year the RHRC also recognized two individuals for “Honorable Mention”: Sally Parsons, for her work with the Advisory Board of Health, and Calvin Millmann, for his “good neighbor” role.)

2000		Lloyd Holt School bus driver activity driver known as “Smiley”; supporter of youth programs and role model for intergeneration relations.

1998		Nel Johnson Richfield Intermediate School teacher; organized summer school program.

1996		RHS National Honor Society 1996 Richfield Senior High School group committed to scholarship, service, leadership and goodwill.

1996		Pat Kiehl Richfield youth sports and community volunteer.

1995		Lowell Larson Educator, ISD 280 Superintendent, Diversity Connection member.

1994		Frank Johnson Noted for work with seniors (RSVP) and people with disabilities; former director of St. Paul Rehabilitation Corp. and Mpls. Society of the Blind.

1993		Garnett Kirchner 30 + years work with AFS and connecting the local with the global.

1992		Pat Rickert Leader in Chamber of Commerce, Visions, Big Brothers/Big Sisters. "Mr. Community" promoted Cattail Days, Remodeling Fair, 4th of July Parade.

1991		Mathew Little Human rights and minority activist.

1990		John Hamilton &Chamber of Commerce member. Especially noted for work with local disabled, elderly and children’s groups.

1989		Mark Erspamer Social worker, community volunteer and former county Child Services Division Director.

1988		Emily Day Local public school teacher, social worker and community service volunteer.

1986		VEAP Pantry Regional volunteer human service agency providing food, transportation and support for those in need.

1985		John Takekawa Senior advocate emphasizing disability programs and Japanese-American relations.

1984		Norris Olson Former school principal and SHHSC member; helped develop Project Charlie drug prevention program in schools.

1983		Rosie Nielsen Project Charlie Community Chair and advocate for chemical dependency issues and drug awareness programs.

1982		Dean Lovering Local senior advocate and president of "Young at Hearts Club."

1981		Margaret Meter Volunteer organizer for local schools, civic activities and mental health needs.

1980		Jack & Nancy Jorgenson Foster parents and advocates for special needs children.

1979		Lois Bendickson & Jean Jackson Activists in disability issues and local party politics.

1978		Gene Jacobsen City Council member and community leader who supported human rights at all levels.

1977		Gertrude Ulrich Founding member of Richfield Human Rights Commission; longtime community activism and public service involvement.

1976		Mary Ives AFS advocate and volunteer for VEAP, Women’s Society and church groups.

1975		Dorothy Chellsen Human rights proponent at Normandale Community College, and helped lead women’s rights issues in Richfield.

1974		Fred & Barbara Amram Helped establish local human rights commission, focusing on housing, childcare and educational opportunities.

1973		Camillo & Lois DeSantis Leaders in regional social concerns, particularly human services and League of Women Voters.