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Press Releases
Longtime Minnesota Zoo Supporters Receive Award Apple Valley, MINN – November 9, 2012 – Longtime Minnesota Zoo supporters Jeannine Rivet and Warren Herreid II received the Zoo’s 2012 Stewardship Award at the eighth annual Director’s Dinner on Thursday, November 8, 2012. The Minnesota Zoo’s Stewardship Award recognizes outstanding education and conservation stewardship efforts that generate public awareness and support for saving our world’s wild animals and wild lands. Bestowed since 2008, the award is designed to promote leadership by example and inspire others to take action on behalf of our world’s wildlife. “Jeannine and Warren are generous, effective and inspiring community leaders,” said Minnesota Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. “Their positive impact on the Minnesota Zoo and our education programs is outstanding. As believers in the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, Jeannine and Warren have helped to enhance and expand the Zoo’s education programs to reach more students and engage new communities. Our Zoo Safari program, which sponsors elementary school field trips to the Zoo, is just one example of an important program that is growing substantially from their leadership. It is with gratitude and admiration that we honor Jeannine and Warren with the Minnesota Zoo Stewardship Award.” Rivet, executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group, is a passionate supporter of STEM education to ensure that today’s students are equipped and encouraged to pursue careers in science-related fields in order to strengthen the workforce for Minnesota employers. The couple recognizes the Zoo’s vital role in helping schools meet Minnesota Science Academic Standards through its educational programs and classes, and appreciates the Minnesota Zoo as a wholesome and educational destination for families and people of all ages. “The Minnesota Zoo is a precious asset to the State of Minnesota,” says Rivet. “People of all ages and all walks of life are served by its mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world. The Zoo delivers educational and inspirational experiences, important children’s programs and STEM education classes for students. Its emphasis on innovation and creative new exhibits means it’s always very interesting and educational to visit. We are grateful to receive this recognition, and know Lee Ehmke and his team will continue to do great work at the Zoo.” The couple shares a distinguished history of community leadership and service. Rivet has served on the boards of many organizations including Schwan Food Company, Solutran, National Association of Manufacturers, Minnesota Business Partnership, and Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable. She is a Board member on the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, Chair of the Health Policy and Management Executive Council, and a member of the Public Health Leadership Council of the Harvard School of Public Health. Rivet serves as Chair of the Board of Visitors of Boston University’s School of Public Health, is on the Board of Visitors of the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota, and a Trustee for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. She is a founding member of Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation and mentors women in business. She serves on the Mt. Olivet Church Board of Life and Growth, and is President of K.A.H.R., the family foundation. Herreid served in the National Guard for 26 years and retired from service as a Lieutenant Colonel. He also served as a project management consultant in the field of technology transitions, conversions and special projects. He is active in angel investing for various startup companies and serves on a number of advisory boards. He also serves on the Mt. Olivet Church Board of Life & Growth. Herreid is active with the K.A.H.R. Foundation where he is Vice President and Treasurer. The family foundation was created in 2005 and has supported numerous charitable organizations, including the Minnesota Zoo and several focused in Rock County and Luverne, Minnesota – his hometown. As his father, uncles and grandfathers served in WWI and WWII, Herreid has been instrumental in managing the design and development of the Rock County Veterans Memorial and the Veterans Building which includes a Military Museum and art gallery for the acclaimed nature photographer Jim Brandenburg. The couple was bestowed with the Southwest Initiative Foundation Philanthropist Award in recognition of their generous gifts and efforts to rejuvenate the town of Luverne, which have initiated pride in the community and its heritage. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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