Alumni Council Award

2003 Alumni Council Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education

The Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni Council was pleased to present the 2003 Alumni Council Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education to Helen Klassen, Ed.M. '93, Ed.D. '96. The award was presented to Dr. Klassen on Wednesday, June 4 at 5 p.m. during HGSE's Pre-Commencement Ceremony in the Gutman Conference Center, Appian Way, Cambridge, MA. Dean for Development and External Relations, Tom Wick, presented the award.

The founder and president of the White Earth Tribal and Community College, Dr. Klassen has helped to create a space for innovation and learning in her community, offering a new generation of students the chance to realize their dreams. The text of the award, presented at HGSE's Pre-Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, June 4th, reads:

As an educator, mentor, and school leader, Dr. Helen M. Klassen has devoted her life to helping individuals from impoverished communities access opportunity through education.

For decades, Dr. Klassen has used traditional Native American culture to enrich and empower her Native and non-Native students. As the founder and president of White Earth Tribal and Community College in Minnesota, she has filled a void in her community, creating a space for innovation and learning that has offered a new generation of students the chance to realize their dreams. Under her guidance, scores of welfare recipients have moved into the workforce as successful college graduates.

Dr. Klassen's groundbreaking work has been recognized with many prestigious awards and fellowships. Her ability to bridge cultures and adapt to the ever-changing needs of the student population has made her a pioneer in the field of education. She continues to inspire students and educators alike with her passion, commitment, and vision for the future.

For these and other profound contributions to the field, it is with great pleasure that we bestow this award upon Dr. Helen M. Klassen.

About the Award

The HGSE Alumni Council first established the Alumni Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education in 1985 in order to recognize the significance of service to education by many alumni of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Each year, the Alumni Relations Office solicits nominations for the Award from the alumni body. Candidates must be graduates of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and have made a significant contribution to education during their professional careers.

For more information on this year's presentation of the Alumni Award or to nominate an HGSE alumna/us for next year, please contact the HGSE Alumni Relations Office.