COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

Award of Excellence

The Alumni Award of Excellence recognizes CEHD alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in their profession, served as mentors to others in their field, or shown exceptional volunteer service. 

Nominations for 2024 are now closed. Please check back in January 2025 to nominate an alum in 2025. If you have any questions, please contact us at cehdas@umn.edu or 612-625-5963.

Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni Award of Excellence recipients

Amanda Harrington (MSW '06)

Amanda Harrington (she/her) is the Director of Community Safety Design & Implementation with the City of Minneapolis. In her role, she’s responsible for the direction and strategic coordination of the city’s community safety system, as well as the innovation, implementation and evaluation of new programs.

Read the full profile for Amanda Harrington.

Juleen Rodakowski (BS ’05, Kinesiology)

Juleen Rodakowski (she/her) is an occupational therapist with expertise in community living for vulnerable adults and their caregivers. Her federally funded research seeks to slow the progression of disability attributed to early changes in cognition and caregiving. Rodakowski's studies influence when, how and why rehabilitation services are being provided to individuals living in the community. Her work generates the evidence required to support new, effective models of community-focused care, that are responsive to public health needs and evolving federal policies. Rodakowski is arming the geriatric and rehabilitation disciplines with evidence, methods and applications that place best practices in rehabilitation at the forefront of health care. Rodakowski is associate professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy

Read the full profile for Juleen Rodakowski

Past alumni award of excellence recipients:

2023: Larry Johnson and Kristin J. Morris
2022: Ashley Landers and Abdul Omari
2021: Juliana Carlson and K. Giddings
2019: Chelsea Petree
2018: Candice Nadler and Catherine Rich
2017: Beth Bowman and Karen Filla
2015: Kenneth Dragseth, Amelia Franck Meyer
2014: Kenneth Mauer, Barbara Schmidt
2013: Marvin Davis, Peg Lonnquist