- Minnesota Career Development Association
MCDA Awards
Jules Kerlan Outstanding (Lifetime) Achievement Award
This award recognizes an individual’s lifetime achievement (15 years or more) in the field of career development. Ideal candidates reflect the following:
- Committed to the career development field for at least 15 years in a full-time or similar role.
- Provided at least three significant contributions to the career development field.
- Made a significant contribution to or was involved in MCDA at some point in their career.
- Must be a current MCDA member.
Irene Rossman Award
This award honors the legacy and inspiration of Irene Rossman who” Empowered Others to Make Meaningful Career and Life Transitions”. This award recognizes people who:
- Are current MCDA members.
- Have at least 5 years experience in the career development field.
- Have made significant contributions to the field through professional roles and/or through service to community organizations, including MCDA. This award in particular recognizes people who have demonstrated achievement in one or more of the following areas:
– A commitment to the career development profession by serving organizations and associations in leadership or mentoring roles.
– Professional expertise to provide counseling/coaching/teaching using assessments and career tools (resumes, letters, profiles).
– Ability to inspire individuals to engage in career development to pursue meaningful and satisfying work.
Marty Dockman Merit Award
This award honors the leadership of the first Minnesota Career Development Association president, Marty Dockman. This award recognizes people and teams who are:
- Current MCDA members; for teams, at least one person must be a current MCDA member.
- Demonstrate accomplishments, either one-time or over time, above and beyond performing the duties of a paid position in one or more of the following:
– Supporting professional development of people in the career development profession.
– Initiating innovative strategies/practices for delivering career development education and services to clients.
– Conducting and sharing career development related research.
– Sponsoring scholarship/fellowships/internships to support new career development professionals.
– Promoting the advancement of the career development profession.
– Writing/presenting information on career best practices or documenting career history either within MCDA or the career development profession.
Sunny Hansen Graduate Student Award
The Sunny Hansen Graduate School Student award, which had previously been “Graduate School Student Award” was named for one of our great female leaders, who passed away in 2020. Sunny Hansen, who for years was a professor of counseling at the U of MN, was the author, coauthor, or editor of more than 100 books, chapters, monographs and articles. She had always been interested in advancing women in career development and was president of MCDA in 1982-83. Sunny was also a recognized leader in NCDA, where she held leadership roles and spoke at many national conferences.
Nomination Instructions
- MCDA Members can be nominated (and self-nominate) for any of the awards noted above. Non-MCDA Members are allowed to nominate someone as well, but only current MCDA Members can receive an award. Current MCDA Board of Trustees members are not eligible to be nominated for an award.
- The Awards Committee will present finalists to the Board of Trustees for review.
- Awards are presented at the annual Spring conference. Winners will be showcased on the MCDA website and will receive a recognition plaque.
- To nominate a colleague, select the Nomination Link button below.
