Celebrating Excellence: Nathan Helgeson Receives the Dr. Sue Tarr Future Professional Award
The Minnesota State-Moorhead Health & Human Performance department is thrilled to celebrate senior Nathan Helgeson, who received the Dr. Sue Tarr Future Professional Award at this year’s MNDAPE Conference!
This statewide award honors a pre-service student who shows exceptional promise, leadership, and a deep commitment to Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE). The award honors Dr. Sue Tarr of Minnesota State University Mankato—a beloved MNDAPE leader and champion of adapted physical education in Minnesota and nationwide.
From his early dedication to the Moorhead High School Unified PE program to his first orientation day at MSUM, Nathan made it known that DAPE is his top priority. Whether working as a paraprofessional at Moorhead High School, coaching adapted sports alongside Heidi Fisher (pictured on the right), or volunteering at every campus inclusive or community Special Olympics event, Nathan has devoted his energy to becoming an outstanding educator in DAPE.
His nomination highlights his infectious enthusiasm, confident leadership among peers, and natural talent for treating every participant with deep respect and warmth. As he gears up for graduation, Nathan has already made a profound impact on the Moorhead community through his fierce advocacy and heart for inclusion.
Congratulations, Nathan, on this incredible, well-deserved recognition! We are so proud to have you representing MSUM.