The Danube Swabian Foundation of the USA, Inc. Die Donauschwaebische Stiftung der USA, Inc.
Elisabeth Walter had the idea, created the design and donated her own artwork. The layout and digitizing of the certificate was done by Erika Neumeyer.
HISTORY OF THE AWARD:
The idea was discussed before 1993 and then, at the 1994 Landesverband meeting in Cleveland, a committee, which included Franz Sayer, Annerose Goerge and Joe Stein, was nominated to select the first recipient. In 1996 it was decided to add another award for persons under 30 years old and in 2010, 2015, 2016 & 2018 two awards were granted.
“KULTURPREIS”
This award was created to show appreciation of the Society of the Danube Swabians of the USA for all the cultural work which the recipients of this award have performed.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE NOMINEE:
The “Kulturpreis” will be awarded to persons who significantly supported the Danube Swabian Culture with words and deeds. This includes special contributions in the field of History, Education, Literature, Arts and involvement in, for and about our Danube Swabian Family, especially working with our Youth, inspiring them to learn about the Danube Swabian history and customs, and help them become worthy citizen of our society.
Two “Kulturpreis” may be awarded. One is the general or first prize. The second one is for a person under the age of 35 years.
GUIDELINES:
A request can be made by anybody with a letter stating all the achievements of the person being sponsored. The nomination should be made through the president of the local Danube Swabian club of the Landesverband der Donauschwaben USA. The president will sign this letter and pass it on, with all the information, to the president of the Landesverband. It should be received before January 1 of the annual general meeting of any given year. At the Landeverband meeting the nomination will be discussed and then passed on to a committee. The “Kulturpreis” committee consists of 5 members and 2 alternates.
Any member of the committee who belongs to the same organization as the nominee(s) should replaced by an alternate member. The nomination(s) will be considered by this committee and the candidate(s) who have the best qualifications will be selected.
The selection will be kept in confidence.
The selected person(s) will receive the “Kulturpreis” plaque at the Landesverbandtreffen (usually on Labor Day) from the president and the Danube Swabian Foundation of the USA will add a check for $ 1,000.00 for this award. For the second award the Danube Swabian Foundation of the USA will present a $ 500.00 check.
NEW NOMINATION PROCESS GUIDELINES (issued September 2014)
Kulturpreis of the Danube Swabian Association of the USA
The Kulturpreis selection committee will consist of 5 members. 1. Any member of our organization may nominate a worthy person. 2. The nominee’s name must be submitted to the president of the local organization. 3. The local organization should write a letter in which the reasons of the worthiness of the nominee are stated. It must be signed by the president and forwarded to the president of the Danube Swabian Association of the USA by January 1 of that year. 4. The Association president will distribute the nomination letters to the selection committee, e-mail them or send them via regular mail. Any selection committee member who belongs to the same organization as the nominee should be replaced by an alternate. 5. The selection committee members rate each nominee and state the reason for their choice. The results of the selection committee have to be forwarded to the Association president. 6. The Association president will notify the Danube Swabian Foundation president and the president of the local organization of the winner(s), which will be kept in confidence. The award will be presented at the annual meeting in April or the Labor Day Fest by either the Foundation or the Association president.