Cherie Lenz was president of the Midwest Association of University Student Employment Directors (MAUSED) at the time of the first national conference on Work and the College Student and on the committee to form a national association in 1975. After the conference, MAUSED became MASEA and, after a few years of cooperative leadership between the national committee and MASEA, the national association was officially founded as NASEA, the National Association of Student Employment Administrators. NASEA later was renamed as NSEA, the National Student Employment Association. Cherie played a pivotal role in the transition from MAUSED to MASEA in 1974-75 and served as the Associate Director of Financial Aid at the University of Illinois for 35 years.

The recipient of the Cherie Lenz Outstanding Service Award is an individual with at least eight to ten years of service in Student Employment, a long-term leadership record and active membership in MASEA who has provided outstanding contributions to the organization.

Nominations are submitted to the Board of Directors from the general membership. The Board of Directors votes on this recipient.

Dan Kreidler served as MASEA president from 1989-90 while serving as Director of Career Services for Governors State University and was an instrumental leader for MASEA and NSEA. Dan went on to become the Dean of Community and Economic Development for Joliet Junior College in Illinois. Because Mr. Kreidler began his unique service to MASEA the second day on the job, this award is named in his honor and is presented to a newcomer who has given a unique contribution to MASEA within two years of his/her membership.

Nominations are submitted to the Board of Directors from the general membership. The Board of Directors votes on this recipient.

The MASEA Student Employment Administrator of the Year Award is presented to a member for exceptional service to the discipline of student employment as well as providing formal or informal mentorship to MASEA members. The recipient embodies the characteristics, standards, and professional image of student employment professionals by advocating for student employment within their institution and professional associations.

Nominations are submitted to the Board of Directors from the general membership. The MASEA Board of Directors votes on this recipient.