Donna Tilsner, Kinesiology adjunct instructor in Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies (RPLS), will be honored with one of the top recognition awards in Minnesota for her outstanding work in recreation. On Jan. 12 she will be presented with the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award, the highest professional award given by the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA).
The award is open to candidates with over 20 years of professional service. Nominees are judged on community volunteerism, research, speeches, published articles, and professional certifications. Tilsner, an RPLS graduate (’76), has worked for the City of Edina since 1999 as a recreation supervisor, coordinating many programs and services for the Park and Recreation Department. She has also worked for Hopkins/Minnetonka and Eagan.
The award is named for Clifton E. French, who graduated from the University in 1948 with a B.S. and received his M.Ed. in recreation leadership in 1949. He worked as the director of Coffman Union and was the director of Edina Parks and Recreation and the executive director of the MRPA. He was the first superintendent of Hennepin County Park Reserve District.
(Photo shows Tilsner with RPLS student and Gopher basketball player Trevor Mbakwe at the Gopher Adventure Race.)