Earl Weisenburger_graphic

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University’s longtime Purchasing Director Earl Weisenburger has received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Educational Procurement’s Great Plains Region.

The award is presented to someone who has put forth efforts in the region throughout their career to support others in educational procurement.

“This caught me totally by surprise,” Weisenburger said. “There are so many in the region that are also deserving of such an award. I can’t say enough on how the NAEP Great Plains region has given me opportunities to learn from so many great professional through the years. I am honored to receive this award from my peers.”   

Weisenburger has worked at Northern as the purchasing director since June 1992. He’s been a been a member of NAEP since 1994, served as president of NAEP MN/DAK (Minnesota/North and South Dakota) Region in 1999, and served as secretary of NAEP MN/DAK Region from 2000 to 2011. As a MN/DAK Region board member, Weisenburger was instrumental when this entity merged with the MINK Region (Missouri/Iowa/Nebraska/Kansas) in 2012, forming the NAEP Great Plains Region.

Weisenburger has presented at regional conference over the years, and since 2012 he has served as the auctioneer for the conference’s annual scholarship fundraiser benefit. The money raised through this event is used to send procurement professionals to regional or national conferences or procurement institute learning workshops.

With more than 25 years in higher education, Weisenburger said his profession at a university allows him to work with a great bunch of individuals from a lot of different backgrounds and fields.

“There is never two days alike,” he said. “I get to work on purchasing some pretty awesome items.”

NSU Vice President of Finance and Administration Veronica Paulson praised Weisenburger for his years of service to Northern.

“Earl has done an outstanding job for NSU and it is exciting to see him selected to receive this well-deserved award,” Paulson said. “His expertise in negotiating prices has saved the university thousands of dollars throughout the course of his career. This has made it possible for departments to purchase items they would not have otherwise been able acquire. He is a true professional and great advocate for higher education.”

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions