91Ô­´´

Dennis Demmert worked hard to expand and connect curricula and courses at 91Ô­´´ that pertained to 91Ô­´´ Native people and culture. He began this work just after the  91Ô­´´ Native Settlement Act  passed and people were hungry for information. He always felt strongly that 91Ô­´´ Native Students have a place at this institution.

Dennis wanted to take one day a year to thank individuals who help make 91Ô­´´ a positive place for 91Ô­´´ Native students. He started to recognize other faculty and administration who understood the value of having courses about 91Ô­´´ Native peoples and who helped facilitate this evolution of 91Ô­´´ Native programs at 91Ô­´´. During the 1994 Native Summit at 91Ô­´´, Dennis Demmert recommended that something be done to recognize individuals whose actions have proved their support. Later, the name of the award was changed from RSS Appreciation and Recognition Award to the Dennis Demmert Appreciation and Recognition Award in honor of the many years of service that Dennis has given for the betterment of the 91Ô­´´ Native community.