Scholarships & Awards

Awards

The Promotional and Recruiting Committee seeks nominations for MGEC members to be recipients of the annual GOLDEN SLIDE RULE AWARD, recognizing outstanding technical skills, superb writing and publication efforts, and for sharing expertise with their peers, and the DISTINGUISHED CITIZENSHIP AWARD, recognizing outstanding effort in civic or other community service, which has included both international and local service to a community and/or for service to the MGEC community. These awards provide a unique opportunity to recognize some of the very special members of our organization.

Co-workers, supervisors, or individuals who wish to self-nominate are encouraged to read the following carefully and consider submitting the application materials.  All nominees must be Full Members of MGEC. Nominations will be judged by the Member Activities Committee on the basis of content, thoroughness, and completeness.

Golden Slide Rule Award

Awards will open March 1^st and close June 30^th every calendar year. Winners will be decided in July with announcement in August.

This award recognizes significant and substantial achievements in the fields of engineering or land surveying based on any or all of the following categories:

1. Technical Achievement – achievements/ impacts in work unit, division, region, agency, or profession (i.e., program/process development, process improvement, technical advance, cost savings, etc.)
2. Societal Involvement – professional society leadership roles, committee activities, concept development, or organizational contributions such as seminars, etc.
3. Partnerships – initiating/facilitating joint effort with other internal/external organizations.
4. Papers Submitted – published material resulting in significant contribution in organizational structure, method of operation/evaluation, new design manuals, complicated reports, technical presentations, etc.
5. Scholastic Achievement – Masters or Ph.D., other honors.

Download the application here.

2026 Golden Slide Rule Award RECIPIENT

Alfredo exemplifies the qualities recognized by the Golden Slide Rule Award through exceptional technical expertise, outstanding mentorship, and a sustained commitment to serving both his colleagues and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. While many engineers possess strong technical skills, far fewer have the ability to teach and inspire others. Alfredo has become a trusted resource within the Air Quality Permits Section because of his unique ability to make complex engineering and regulatory concepts understandable, strengthening not only his own work but the capabilities of the entire team.

Distinguished Citizenship Award

Awards will open March 1^st and close June 30^th every calendar year. Winners will be decided in July with announcement in August.

This award recognizes significant and substantial contributions to community, based on any or all of the following categories:

1. Service in local, state, or national politics – elected, appointed, or volunteer activities.
2. Service in community, charitable or civic activities – duration of involvement, level of commitment to activity, impact on involvement on community, creation of program, etc.
3. Volunteer Work – type of work, length of involvement, time commitment, impact within organization or its customers/community, etc.
4. Military Service – combination of National Guard or Reserve service to state and country, community involvement with JROTC and ROTC through high schools and post-secondary institutions.

Download the application here.

2026 DISTINGUISHED CITIZENSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

Ryan is a senior engineering specialist with the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs and is officed out of our Camp Ripley facility.  As a civilian employee of the Minnesota National Guard, his work includes planning, surveying, design, geospatial engineering, and project management.

During his employment at Military Affairs, he is regularly called to drill weekends and annual training sessions that last two weeks or more.  He has also been called up for year-long deployments to overseas locations.  During these absences from the job, he has been willing and able to provide remote assistance for projects during their planning, design, and construction phases; occasionally from locations on the opposite side of the globe despite time differences.

Ryan’s commitment to serve his country in the armed forces along with his dedication to his position with the State of Minnesota are exemplary and worthy of consideration for this award.

Scholarships

Two types of scholarships are available: Awards for family members of MGEC members and awards for MGEC members. The scholarship application period will open March 1st and close June 30th every calendar year. Winners will be decided by the MGEC Membership Committee in July with an announcement in August. MGEC, at their discretion, may award up to $4,000 each calendar year for scholarships, distributed amongst any number of qualified applicants for the Family Member and Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarships

Family Member Scholarships

Scholarships are available to family members (children, step-children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, siblings, and legal wards) of MGEC members (Full and Supporting Members). This scholarship money may be distributed amongst any number of qualified applicants, with awards to have a minimum value of $500. The scholarship award values may differ based on the quality of application. These scholarships are intended for those who are pursuing a degree in an engineering or land surveying field. Eligible applicants include undergraduates who will be entering their junior or senior year or those pursuing a graduate degree. If awarded, the student would receive the scholarship money as a reimbursement after submitting a receipt as proof of tuition payment.

How to apply for the Family Member Scholarship:
The student should download the application here. A copy of the most recent transcript must be submitted with the application. Email, fax or mail the application and transcript to the address below.

2026 FAMILY MEMBER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

 

 

 

Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship

In 2002, MGEC’s board announced the initiation of the member-only scholarship program. The Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship for MGEC Members (Full and Supporting Members) is named for the late Connie Minetor, MGEC’s first female President (1997/98) and first President from MPCA. It was established to provide help to members seeking to attain a degree or advanced degree in engineering or land surveying or seeking additional work-related training. This scholarship money may be distributed amongst any number of qualified applicants, with awards to have a minimum value of $500. The scholarship award values may differ based on the quality of application. Current Board Members are not eligible to apply. Eligible members may apply for the scholarship more than once. If awarded, you would receive the scholarship as a reimbursement after providing proof of payment for the training or course(s).

How to apply for the Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship:
Download the application here.  Email, fax or mail the application and transcript to the address below.

2026 CONNIE MINETOR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT