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The Bob Basten Excellence in Leadership Award

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The Bob Basten Excellence in Leadership Award

The Bob Basten Excellence in Leadership Award is given annually to a former Johnnie football player who in his life as an alumnus:

  • Has exhibited outstanding leadership traits
  • Is involved in his community and alma mater
  • Has a sense of fair play carried beyond the gridiron
  • Has an overall commitment to excellence
Basten Football Award

Launched in 2009, the award sprung from a conversation among three SJU Class of 1982 friends: Basten, a former Minnesota Viking and business executive who died in 2012 after 10 years with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease; Joe Kiley, a Johnnie all-American football player; and Rob Culligan, university vice president for institutional advancement. They wanted to salute Johnnie football players who represent the program’s hallmark traits.

Submit your nomination for the bob basten excellence in leadership award.

Basten Awardees

  • 2024 Denis McDonough ’92
  • 2023 Mark Flynn ’78
  • 2022 Mike Zumwinkle ’87
  • 2021 Tim Healy ’87
  • 2019 Lou Raiola ’82
  • 2018 Mike Grant ’79
  • 2017 Bob Brigham ’78
  • 2016 Denny Schleper ’83
  • 2015 Robert Spinner ’64
  • 2014 Blake Elliott ’03
  • 2013 Jeff Korsmo ’80
  • 2012 Ken Roering ’64
  • 2011 Neal Binsfeld ’81
  • 2010 Joe Mucha ’66
  • 2009 Dr. Bob Gavin ’62