This annual award is presented at the Governor’s Conference on Recreation to a professional in the recreation field who is a full-time leader, supervisor, administrator, manager, educator, planner, researcher, designer, or consultant who has made outstanding contributions to the recreation and/or park field. The candidate must have at least ten years' professional experience, three years serving in Vermont; and have made a contribution to the field over a period of time and not just a single occurrence. The area of contribution may include the following: leadership, job performance, education, research, innovative programming, public relations, or other area not defined.
Theresa S. Brungardt was a pioneer and outstanding leader of parks and recreation in Vermont. She began her career in 1917 when she joined the staff of the National Recreation Association during World War 1. She was Vermont’s first state Director of Recreation, having been appointed by Governor Wills in 1943. She traveled tirelessly throughout Vermont to help communities with their recreation programs. Many of the community recreation departments today could trace their origins back to technical assistance and inspiration provided by Mrs. Brungardt. She was nationally recognized for her expertise and in 1952 was elected the first female president of the American Recreation Society. Her involvement continued after her retirement in 1964 when she was an active member of the Citizens Board Member Branch of NRPA. She was inducted into the NRPA Hall of Fame in 1997.