Nominees for the 2008 Humanitarian Award

JIM and SANAA ABOUREZK- Jim and Sanaa have devoted their lives to giving a voice to the underprivileged people of the world. They are visible and vocal spokespeople for the Arab community in Sioux Falls. Jim and Sanaa bring an international understanding to cultural affairs in our community and as business people, community leaders and community volunteers they strive to promote cultural awareness and understanding. Through such efforts Jim and Sanna have made a difference in our community.

NATHAN and SUZANNE ANDERSON- Over the course of almost 30 years of married life, the Andersons have devoted themselves to helping children with developmental and health issues. They have cared for children from many different cultures and with complex and difficult health needs. They have opened their home to foster children and provided love and nurturing to children in need under difficult and trying circumstances. Nathan and Suzanne have given hope to children who had none and have made a profound difference in their lives.

TOM AUSTIN and BRAD FRIEZ- Tom and Brad are Veteran Outreach Representatives working for the Department of Labor. They are known and respected for going the extra mile to help veterans of all ethnic backgrounds. For each of them, service to veterans is not a job but a calling and they have received many awards and recognitions for their outstanding efforts. Tom and Brad are actively engaged in community service in Sioux Falls, improving many lives, and are our own “Dynamic Duo”.

VINCE BRUGGEMAN- Vince is a retired master carpenter. As he did while working, in his retirement Vince shares his skills with those in need in our community. Vince regularly volunteers his time and talents for organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Timothy’s House of Hope, Meals on Wheels and the Banquet. He provides individual assistance to people in need and is a well recognized volunteer in his Church. Vince is someone who constantly gives of himself to help others. He is a dedicated and committed community volunteer and through his service has improved the lives of many people.

SISTER JOANNA BRUNO and SISTER LIZ REMILY- After 25 years of missions in Mexico building churches and hospitals, Sisters Bruno and Remily came to Sioux Falls in 1993 and were instrumental in building the Berakhah House, a nonprofit, independent and assisted living facility for people with AIDS. As part of their mission in Sioux Falls, they work closely the Ryan White program, other charitable organizations and the medical community to help men and women with AIDS receive the best care possible. Each of these remarkable women has dedicated her life to helping others and they are recognized humanitarians in our community and beyond. They have touched the lives of many in our community.

JULIE LARGE- Julie is a resource teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School in Sioux Falls. She is known for providing extraordinary care and love to students with special needs. She works with children of all ethnic backgrounds in order to locate and fund learning and extra-curricular opportunities for them. Julie gives much of herself as a teacher and has a real passion for each student whose life she touches, but especially those with obstacles they must overcome on a daily basis. In every aspect of her job as a teacher, she goes over and beyond the call of duty. Julie makes a difference in the lives of her students.

DONNA MAGNUSON and LILY JASAROVIC- Donna and Lily work with Lutheran Social Services providing support for those recently immigrating to our country and our community. Each is known for going far beyond the requirements of their jobs and for providing personal help and assistance to new arrivals in our community at a time when they most need it. They often check on the safety of their clients, even late at night or during severe weather. They always greet their clients with open arms and smiles, often inviting clients into their homes. Donna and Lily work tirelessly to find opportunities for their clients. They make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

MICHELE POSS-JOHNSON- Michele is a vocational assistant at Dakotabilities where she has been employed for 17 years. She cares deeply for the people she shares her working hours with, often acting as their arms, legs, eyes or personal translator. Michele does not view her service to Dakotabilites’clients as a job. She views her service as a calling and is humbled to be part of their lives. She is a strong advocate for the people she serves and views them as members of her extended family. She provides love to Dakotabilites’ clients and receives love in return. She makes a difference in their lives.

PAT REICHERT- Pat is a committed volunteer at Lutheran Social Services Refugee and Immigration Center among her other community related activities. She selflessly strives to improve the lives of recent arrivals in our community. She is actively involved in fundraising to assure that recent arrivals can meet their basic needs. She tirelessly collects clothing and household necessities for people in need and is always thinking of new ways to provide support. Pat has devoted much of her free time to caring for others and has done this without thought of personal recognition or reward. Through her efforts, Pat makes Sioux Falls a better place to live.

SISTER SHEILA SCHNELL- Sister Schnell is known for her leadership in the Hispanic Ministry of Caminando Juntos which has served Latinos in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities since 2002. She works tirelessly helping Latinos understand immigration policies and helps those with limited English learn the basics of life in our community. She is a passionate advocate for those she works with and is a teacher and mentor to all. She has devoted her life to improving the lives of disadvantaged families and to find ways that disadvantaged families may have a successful, fulfilling and safe way of life. She has touched many lives with her compassion and caring.

ELVIRA SEVERSON- Although Elvira is involved in many volunteer activities, she has consistently dedicated her time and services to St. Francis House since it opened 21 years ago. She has cooked, cleaned and done laundry for the residents of St. Francis House being fully supportive of it mission “Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”. Elvira finds great reward in being there to see someone make the transition to self sufficiency. Elvira jokingly refers to herself as a “professional volunteer” but in reality she is the consummate volunteer who believes that no act of kindness, however small, is wasted. Elvira’s spirit of volunteerism has helped people change their lives for the better.

STACEY TIESZEN- Stacey is the current Coordinator of the Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County Homeless Advisory Board and has held that position for the past year. Prior to working for the Homeless Advisory Board, Stacey provided case management services to homeless families living in the Dakota House and private housing provided by Minnehaha County. Through this service, Stacey has shown extraordinary commitment to serving the needs of the homeless in our community, especially families with children. She is an eloquent advocate for programs for homeless individuals and families that provide an opportunity to escape poverty. She is a true friend to the homeless and is committed to helping them help themselves. She is a part of what makes Sioux Falls a great place to live.

DIANE C. THOMPSON- Diane is devoted to helping those who are least able to care for themselves. She worked for more than 40 years at Children’s Care Hospital until her recent retirement. During those 40 years she provided loving support for children needing specialized care. The children she cared for at Children’s Care Hospital became part of her extended family. But Diane didn’t leave her compassion and love for children at work. She and her late husband have also been foster parents for many special needs children, bringing them into their home where they cared for them tirelessly. Diane has continually given her service, love and compassion to the special children in our community, improving their lives in countless ways.

JENNIFER WAGNER- Jennifer is the Lead Cultural Activities Coordinator at the South Dakota Penitentiary, coordinating over 100 religious activities a week. Jennifer is committed to cultural understanding. Outside of her employment she has traveled to pow wows, sun dances and has participated in many sweat lodge ceremonies. She has set up staff tours of Mt. Zion Synagogue and the Islamic Center and invited representatives of each to staff training sessions. Jennifer teaches people to embrace their own identities and to respect the beliefs of others. Her enthusiasm and dedication to cultural awareness has become contagious at her place of work. Through her efforts, Jennifer has enriched the lives of inmates and staff at the penitentiary.

MARY WINTERSHEIDT- Mary is a substitute teacher for the Sioux Falls School District. She is an active volunteer and spokesperson for multiculturalism in Sioux Falls. Mary often hosts foreign students visiting our community. She is a committed worker at the Festival of Cultures and German Fest. She is a sponsor of the Lost Boys and serves as a volunteer dealing with issues affecting the Sudanese community in Sioux Falls. Mary’s enthusiasm for multiculturalism serves as a beacon calling others to the cause. She gives much of herself to help improve the lives of others in our community.