The Mari Sandoz Heritage Society honors individuals and organizations who have given significant service to the Society; that have contributed to the mission of the Society; who have through a variety of means, demonstrated appreciation for Mari Sandoz’ work; and who have significantly contributed to promoting the understanding of Nebraska history and literature, through writing, teaching, elected office and other means of public advocacy.

The following individuals have received this honor:

2003       Helen Winter Stauffer

2004       Ron Hull

2005       Don Green

2006       Sybil Malmberg Berndt

2007       Michael Cartwright

2008       Judy McDonald

2009       T.R. Hughes

2010       Diane Duvfa Quantic

2012       John Wunder

2013       Ann Van Hoff

2014       Caroline Sandoz (posthumously)

2015       Esther Pilster (posthumously)

2016       Lloy Chamberlin (posthumously)

2017       David Sandoz

2018       Dan Kusek

2019       Matt Evertson

Anyone may submit nominees to the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society for this honor.  The criteria for the award are as follows:

1. Honor a person that has given significant service to the Society.

2. Honor a person that has, through a variety of means, demonstrated appreciation for Mari Sandoz’ work

3. Honor individuals who may or may not be members of the Society or its committees and board.

4. Honor individuals posthumously.

5. Honor individuals that have significantly contributed to promoting the understanding of Nebraska history and literature, through writing, teaching, elected office and other means of public advocacy.

6. Honor organizations that have contributed to the mission of the Society.