2023 Stenswick/Benson Scholarship Program
Applications due March 31, 2023
The Stenswick Benson Scholarship Award Program began in February of 1991 through MASE (Minnesota Administrators for Special Education). Its purpose is to recognize the legacy of the many leaders within Special Education represented by Ellsworth Stenswick and Loren Benson through a scholarship award to an individual completing exemplary graduate study in the field of special education.
Funds have been raised primarily through an auction now held every other year during the Special Education Directors' Fall Conference. We started with $4500 in 1991 and in 2022 (the previous year) our endowment is over $290,000.00. You are all amazing!
We will maintain our current practice of requesting that you identify scholarship candidates during 2023. Please distribute the application (attached) to highly qualified individuals you know who are pursuing graduate special education studies. MASE, at the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee, will offer eight (8) $2,000 awards this spring. We encourage you as Directors of Special Education to recommend a candidate you think deserving of this award.
Candidates must be in a private or public Minnesota graduate program leading to special education licensure. This includes psychology, and any related services as well as teacher licensure. It could also include someone entering the program to obtain Special Education Director licensure. (Note: Students attending non-Minnesota schools will also be eligible if the school the individual is attending is located geographically close to Minnesota). Strong consideration will be given to candidates working to obtain licenses in the highest areas of need across Minnesota; regional needs will also be considered when they are different.
Please have the candidate complete their section; the Special Education Director will be responsible to submit the final document for consideration to Michelle Bethke-Kaliher by March 31st, 2023.. If you have questions, contact Michelle via email at mkaliher@alexschools.org or by phone at 320-762-2141 (X 4297). Note that application materials can be submitted electronically.
Thank you for your good work!
Michelle Bethke-Kaliher
MASE Stenswick Benson Scholarship Committee
The Stenswick Benson Scholarship Award Program began in February of 1991 through MASE (Minnesota Administrators for Special Education). Its purpose is to recognize the legacy of the many leaders within Special Education represented by Ellsworth Stenswick and Loren Benson through a scholarship award to an individual completing exemplary graduate study in the field of special education.
Funds have been raised primarily through an auction now held every other year during the Special Education Directors' Fall Conference. We started with $4500 in 1991 and in 2022 (the previous year) our endowment is over $290,000.00. You are all amazing!
We will maintain our current practice of requesting that you identify scholarship candidates during 2023. Please distribute the application (attached) to highly qualified individuals you know who are pursuing graduate special education studies. MASE, at the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee, will offer eight (8) $2,000 awards this spring. We encourage you as Directors of Special Education to recommend a candidate you think deserving of this award.
Candidates must be in a private or public Minnesota graduate program leading to special education licensure. This includes psychology, and any related services as well as teacher licensure. It could also include someone entering the program to obtain Special Education Director licensure. (Note: Students attending non-Minnesota schools will also be eligible if the school the individual is attending is located geographically close to Minnesota). Strong consideration will be given to candidates working to obtain licenses in the highest areas of need across Minnesota; regional needs will also be considered when they are different.
Please have the candidate complete their section; the Special Education Director will be responsible to submit the final document for consideration to Michelle Bethke-Kaliher by March 31st, 2023.. If you have questions, contact Michelle via email at mkaliher@alexschools.org or by phone at 320-762-2141 (X 4297). Note that application materials can be submitted electronically.
Thank you for your good work!
Michelle Bethke-Kaliher
MASE Stenswick Benson Scholarship Committee
Applications due March 31, 2023
History
The MASE Stenswick/Benson Scholarship Program awards scholarships annually to graduate students completing exemplary study in the field of special education leadership. The program began in 1991. It recognizes the legacy of leaders within special education as represented by Ellsworth Stenswick from Bloomington and Loren Benson from Hopkins, both considered special education pioneers. These fine colleagues and their families wanted to make a lasting contribution to our field.
History
The MASE Stenswick/Benson Scholarship Program awards scholarships annually to graduate students completing exemplary study in the field of special education leadership. The program began in 1991. It recognizes the legacy of leaders within special education as represented by Ellsworth Stenswick from Bloomington and Loren Benson from Hopkins, both considered special education pioneers. These fine colleagues and their families wanted to make a lasting contribution to our field.
Scholarship Recipients
2022
Adrianne Blazevic, St. Croix River Education District, St. Cloud State University, Director License
Katie Challberg, New Prague, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Director License
Katie Marciniak, Hermantown, Hamline University, Director License
Heather Schutte, Byron, University of Minnesota, Director License
Neil Smith, Cannon Valley Special Education Coop, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Director License
Emily Virant, Robbinsdale, Hamline University, Director License
Beth Vos, Osseo, St. Cloud State University, Director License
Holly Ward, Thief River Falls, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Director License, P/HD License
2021
Jennifer Danielson, In Memory of Candy Malm, St. Croix River Education District, Director License, Hamline University
Katherine Snyder, Inver Grove Heights Schools, Director License, Minnesota State University Mankato
Tracy Ogren, Robbinsdale Area Schools, Director License, Minnesota State University Mankato
Jennie Sorenson, Mounds View Public Schools, Director License, Hamline University
Montana Peters, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools, Director License, St. Cloud State University
2020
Patrick Archibald, Southwest/West Central Service Coop, pursuing a Director’s License at Southwest Minnesota State University
Regina Magedanz, Rocori Public Schools, working toward a Director’s License at St. Cloud State University
Shelly Theis, Hutchinson Public Schools, pursuing a Director’s License at Minnesota State University
Eric Fergen, St. Paul River's Edge Academy, working toward a Director’s License at the University of Minnesota
2019
Krista McElligott, South Washington County Schools, Director License, St. Mary’s University
Erin Nelson, Edina Public Schools, Director License, St. Mary’s University
Tiffany Kanz, Edina Public Schools, Director’ License, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Larry Syverson, Rocori Public Schools, Director License, St. Cloud State University
2018
Craig Horejsi, SW Metro Intermediate District 288, O & M certification, University of Northern Colorado
Martha Smithson, Brainerd, Director License, St. Cloud State
Abby Lyon, Benton Sterns Ed District, Director License, St. Cloud State
Heather Fugate, Red Lake, ASD License, Bemidji State
2017
Zandra Bail-Lalonde, Northern Lights Special Education Coop - University of North Dakota
Meagan Blake, Moorhead Public Schools - MSUM Moorhead
Candace Burckhardt, Indigo Education - Bethel University
Sonni Sellner, St. Francis Schools - St. Cloud State University
2016
Melissa Hanson- SCSU
Dana Maney- U of M Twin Cities
Leslie Sagan- MSU Moorhead
Amy Zanotti, Moorhead,- MSU Moorhead
2015
Amber Haluska-SCSU
Emily Cooley-Dobbins- St. Thomas
Jackie Mergner- MSU
Brett Kosidowski- Concordia
2014
Michele Mogen-UMN
Susan Bartling-UMN
Amber Messner- St. Marys
Tanya Tacker-SCSU
2013
Kristen Hillesheim
Laurie Hume
Deanna Lawrence
2012
Sarah Brown
Jackie Budden
Christine Tangen
Wendy Tuominen
2011
Jill Krautkremer- Hamline
Erin Dohrmann- SCSU
Keely Swartzer- MSU
Susan Currens- SCSU
2010
Robin Grooters- MSU
Jamie Nord- SCSU
Ruth Paisley- Hamline
Heidi Springborg- USM
2009
Sherry Colter-SCSU
Mary Kelly- Hamline
Gretchen Priebe- St. Mary's
Ellen Voigt-SCSU
2008
Lana Talberg
Donna Miller
Sandra Fladeland
Erin Home
2007
Brenda Ackerson- MSU
Irvin Andrews- St. Mary's
Chad Erichsrud- St. Mary's
Lowell Haagenson- SCSU
Guadalupe Isola- Hamline
Allison Kral- Bethel
Nicole Lucas- St. Thomas
Diane McCarron- SCSU
Tonee Thiegs- St. Mary's
Kimberly Welsh-
Mary Zak- St. Thomas
2006
Brent Brunetta, Grand Rapids
Nancy Kutzman - Centennial Schools
Karrie Ingebretsen- Crow River Sped
Amy VandenBerg- Burnsville Schools
Monica Lewis- Benton-Steams
Nicolas Falde- White Bear Lake Schools
2005
Pat Bergstrorn- SCSU
Suzanne Busacker- SCSU
Carol Hokanson- MSU
2004
Corinne Graham- MSU
Pat Dourna-SCSU
2003
Cecilia Dodge-SCSU
Ann Goldage- MSU
Carly Gordy- MSU
Laura Pingry-Kile- MSU
2002
Rick Bishop- MSU
Julie Karlson- MSU
Christina Lain-SCSU
Jeannine Matthies, SCSU
Kara Williams- SW State
Angela Sutherland- MSU
2001
Howard Armstrong- SCSU
Reggie Engebritson- SCSU
Carol Svingen- MSU
Kathy Hedin- MSU
2000
Deb Pearson-Winona
Colleen Farley-Winona
1999
Lisa Dernbouski- MSU
1998
Arny Ziegler- SCSU
Dorothy Thornas- SCSU
Lisa Wiederholt- SCSU
1997
No Recipients
1996
Wendy Manson
1995
Michelle McNeamey
1994
Hilda Caples
2022
Adrianne Blazevic, St. Croix River Education District, St. Cloud State University, Director License
Katie Challberg, New Prague, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Director License
Katie Marciniak, Hermantown, Hamline University, Director License
Heather Schutte, Byron, University of Minnesota, Director License
Neil Smith, Cannon Valley Special Education Coop, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Director License
Emily Virant, Robbinsdale, Hamline University, Director License
Beth Vos, Osseo, St. Cloud State University, Director License
Holly Ward, Thief River Falls, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Director License, P/HD License
2021
Jennifer Danielson, In Memory of Candy Malm, St. Croix River Education District, Director License, Hamline University
Katherine Snyder, Inver Grove Heights Schools, Director License, Minnesota State University Mankato
Tracy Ogren, Robbinsdale Area Schools, Director License, Minnesota State University Mankato
Jennie Sorenson, Mounds View Public Schools, Director License, Hamline University
Montana Peters, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools, Director License, St. Cloud State University
2020
Patrick Archibald, Southwest/West Central Service Coop, pursuing a Director’s License at Southwest Minnesota State University
Regina Magedanz, Rocori Public Schools, working toward a Director’s License at St. Cloud State University
Shelly Theis, Hutchinson Public Schools, pursuing a Director’s License at Minnesota State University
Eric Fergen, St. Paul River's Edge Academy, working toward a Director’s License at the University of Minnesota
2019
Krista McElligott, South Washington County Schools, Director License, St. Mary’s University
Erin Nelson, Edina Public Schools, Director License, St. Mary’s University
Tiffany Kanz, Edina Public Schools, Director’ License, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Larry Syverson, Rocori Public Schools, Director License, St. Cloud State University
2018
Craig Horejsi, SW Metro Intermediate District 288, O & M certification, University of Northern Colorado
Martha Smithson, Brainerd, Director License, St. Cloud State
Abby Lyon, Benton Sterns Ed District, Director License, St. Cloud State
Heather Fugate, Red Lake, ASD License, Bemidji State
2017
Zandra Bail-Lalonde, Northern Lights Special Education Coop - University of North Dakota
Meagan Blake, Moorhead Public Schools - MSUM Moorhead
Candace Burckhardt, Indigo Education - Bethel University
Sonni Sellner, St. Francis Schools - St. Cloud State University
2016
Melissa Hanson- SCSU
Dana Maney- U of M Twin Cities
Leslie Sagan- MSU Moorhead
Amy Zanotti, Moorhead,- MSU Moorhead
2015
Amber Haluska-SCSU
Emily Cooley-Dobbins- St. Thomas
Jackie Mergner- MSU
Brett Kosidowski- Concordia
2014
Michele Mogen-UMN
Susan Bartling-UMN
Amber Messner- St. Marys
Tanya Tacker-SCSU
2013
Kristen Hillesheim
Laurie Hume
Deanna Lawrence
2012
Sarah Brown
Jackie Budden
Christine Tangen
Wendy Tuominen
2011
Jill Krautkremer- Hamline
Erin Dohrmann- SCSU
Keely Swartzer- MSU
Susan Currens- SCSU
2010
Robin Grooters- MSU
Jamie Nord- SCSU
Ruth Paisley- Hamline
Heidi Springborg- USM
2009
Sherry Colter-SCSU
Mary Kelly- Hamline
Gretchen Priebe- St. Mary's
Ellen Voigt-SCSU
2008
Lana Talberg
Donna Miller
Sandra Fladeland
Erin Home
2007
Brenda Ackerson- MSU
Irvin Andrews- St. Mary's
Chad Erichsrud- St. Mary's
Lowell Haagenson- SCSU
Guadalupe Isola- Hamline
Allison Kral- Bethel
Nicole Lucas- St. Thomas
Diane McCarron- SCSU
Tonee Thiegs- St. Mary's
Kimberly Welsh-
Mary Zak- St. Thomas
2006
Brent Brunetta, Grand Rapids
Nancy Kutzman - Centennial Schools
Karrie Ingebretsen- Crow River Sped
Amy VandenBerg- Burnsville Schools
Monica Lewis- Benton-Steams
Nicolas Falde- White Bear Lake Schools
2005
Pat Bergstrorn- SCSU
Suzanne Busacker- SCSU
Carol Hokanson- MSU
2004
Corinne Graham- MSU
Pat Dourna-SCSU
2003
Cecilia Dodge-SCSU
Ann Goldage- MSU
Carly Gordy- MSU
Laura Pingry-Kile- MSU
2002
Rick Bishop- MSU
Julie Karlson- MSU
Christina Lain-SCSU
Jeannine Matthies, SCSU
Kara Williams- SW State
Angela Sutherland- MSU
2001
Howard Armstrong- SCSU
Reggie Engebritson- SCSU
Carol Svingen- MSU
Kathy Hedin- MSU
2000
Deb Pearson-Winona
Colleen Farley-Winona
1999
Lisa Dernbouski- MSU
1998
Arny Ziegler- SCSU
Dorothy Thornas- SCSU
Lisa Wiederholt- SCSU
1997
No Recipients
1996
Wendy Manson
1995
Michelle McNeamey
1994
Hilda Caples
