Bethesda Luminary Awards

Recognizing those who inspire others and ignite our mission of serving others together in faith, community, and life.

The Nomination period is now open for the annual Bethesda Luminary Awards! Nomination form is located at the bottom of the page.

The Luminary Awards program is designed to highlight those who inspire others and ignite our mission of Bethesda throughout all they do. Awards will be presented in several categories to honor individuals for their accomplishments and service.

Nomination categories are

Alice Award

A team member who is recognized for giving above and beyond themselves to benefit the daily lives of those we serve. Named after the final matron of the Children’s Home, Alice Anderson, who selflessly dedicated her life to care for the needs of the nine remaining children throughout their lives. This award is open to any team member who serves in the following departments: culinary, recreation, maintenance, environmental services, wellness, or office.

Rookie of the Year

This award recognizes a team member whose service within their first year* with Bethesda has set a benchmark for all others to attain. Consideration will be given to nominees who have consistently demonstrated professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication in their efforts to positively contribute to the Bethesda organization as a whole. *Eligible candidates must have started their employment within any entity of Bethesda as of January 1, 2024, or later.

Servant Leader of the Year

A servant leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. Nominations shall incorporate all or some of the following: brings out the best in others, mentors others and encourages their development, facilitates personal growth in those who work with them, focuses on achieving the goals of the organization, challenges the status quo in striving to find new directions, and does the unexpected. It is not required that the nominee hold a management position.

Volunteer of the Year

This award honors Bethesda’s exceptional volunteers, celebrating the power of the individual to ignite our mission and improve the lives of those we serve. Nominations shall reflect unpaid, volunteer service performed within the 2024 year that demonstrated a positive influence on a Bethesda program or contributed unique, innovative, or creative perspectives to programs or services overall.

Caregiver of the Year

This award recognizes a team member who has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty. They continually exhibit compassion, empathy, and respect for those around them. In all they do, they exemplify an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life for those we serve. This award is open to any Bethesda employee.

The deadline to submit nominations for this year’s Luminary Awards is 5 p.m. April 26, 2025.

A committee will review nominations and select winners. Winners will be announced during Bethesda Week (May 12-18, 2025) and presented at various events, including Bethesda’s annual meeting luncheon in June.

Completed forms can be submitted online or mailed to Bethesda, Attn: Luminary Awards, 901 Willmar Ave SE, Willmar, MN 56201.

If nominee’s last name is unknown, please provide department or shift/location within Bethesda where nominee is typically interacted with.

Please select the category you are nominating the nominee for: *

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Should we notify you if nominee is awarded? *