2024 Jack Warnock and National Board of Directors Regional Volunteer Award Winners

More than two decades ago, our national board of directors established the Canine Companions Jack Warnock Award, named after longtime volunteer and graduate Jack Warnock. 

This annual, prestigious award acknowledges outstanding volunteerism on a national level, with one volunteer winning from our six regions. We’re pleased to recognize Northwest Region volunteer Connie Van Schaick of Santa Rosa, California, as the 2024 Jack Warnock Award recipient. 

We’re grateful for the dedication and support of all of our volunteers and congratulate Connie and our 2024 regional winners on their outstanding volunteerism in support of our mission. Read more about Connie and our five regional winners below. 
A smiling person wearing a blue scrub shirt is sitting on a soft blanket surrounded by several playful puppies of various colors, including black and yellow, in a blue playpen.

Northwest Region – Connie Van Schaick – 2024 Jack Warnock Award Winner

Congratulations to Connie Van Schaick of Santa Rosa, California, for winning the 2024 Jack Warnock Volunteer Award! For more than 25 years, Connie has been a dedicated volunteer for Canine Companions, serving as a multiple-time volunteer puppy raiser and breeder caretaker, all while working full time as a successful process engineer.

Over the years, she’s raised 15 puppies, and she’s hosted more than 45 litters of puppies in her home.

Now retired, she’s dedicated even more time to our mission, as a passionate breeder caretaker and event volunteer.

A woman in a black and gray vest interacts with a black dog sitting beside her on a bench, in front of a welcome sign for a canine companion facility.

Southwest Region – Karen Sealander

Karen Sealander of Flagstaff, Arizona, exemplifies the spirit of dedication, advocacy and grassroots outreach fundamental to expanding the mission of Canine Companions. Karen integrates her work raising and training service dogs into her role as a professor at Northern Arizona University, where she shares with colleagues, students and the broader campus community the transformative power of service dogs.

With an unwavering dedication and passion, making long trips to participate in events and assist as needed, Karen is an invaluable ambassador for Canine Companions.
A woman in a white jacket and a cap sits on a bench next to a black Labrador retriever wearing a blue and yellow service dog vest in a park setting with trees in the background.

South Central Region – Judy Schumpert

Judy Schumpert got her start with Canine Companions as a volunteer in 1994, and she’s spent the last 30 years raising 24 puppies, supporting our prison puppy raising programs, volunteering as a therapy dog handler and evaluator, becoming a donor and Heritage Society member, supporting clients by providing Team Training lunches and so much more. 

Her motivation comes from her heart for the mission – providing quiet, unwavering support with the sole goal of helping others. Judy shares, “I see clearly what my mission was from the beginning and still is to this day: to provide love, companionship, loyalty and comfort for that next person in need. Every single one of the puppies that I have helped raise means so much more than just fulfilling a volunteer position. Each time I see one of them handed over to someone, I am reminded how much of an honor it is to participate in this program.”
A woman with shoulder-length white hair and glasses holds a black dog wearing a service vest, sitting against a bright yellow and blue background decorated with a playful design.

Northeast Region – Diane Fergenson

31 years ago, Diane Fergenson discovered the perfect solution to combining her love of animals and her desire to help others. She began volunteering with Canine Companions in 1994, and in that small, limited space of Farmingdale State College, she helped organize the first Long Island DogFest, an annual event that’s become our national signature fundraiser!
 
Diane has Chaired or Co-Chaired this event every year since and is also proud to be one of the founders and leadership members of the Long Island Volunteer Chapter.
 
Diane says she’s consistently reminded of how lucky she is to be a Canine Companions volunteer: to fundraise, to donate and to serve Team Training lunches. She also cherishes the chance to snuggle with a Golden Retriever, kiss puppies and cry unembarrassed tears at every graduation ceremony.
 
Diane’s biggest take-away: “I have learned that no matter how busy or chaotic you thought your life was, there is always room in your schedule, your home and your heart for things that matter. What matters to me is that I am a Canine Companions volunteer!”
A smiling woman with short hair is sitting beside a yellow Labrador Retriever, who is wearing a blue vest labeled 'Comfort Companion.' They are outdoors in a park-like setting, with a gazebo and greenery in the background.

Southeast Region – Ty Kirkpatrick

Ty’s journey with Canine Companions began in 2004, inspired by her boss at Disney who was a volunteer puppy raiser. It wasn’t long before Ty herself joined our mission, becoming a puppy raiser and quickly falling in love with the organization’s purpose. Over the past 20+ years, Ty has worn many volunteer hats—raising puppies, mentoring fellow puppy raisers and cooking for Team Training students and staff in the Southeast Region.
 
For more than 18 years, her famous Baked Ziti and breadsticks have been a beloved tradition, eagerly anticipated by everyone on campus. And recently, Ty added a sweet personal touch by baking homemade cookies for each student, featuring their name alongside their new service dog match.

“I have been called to volunteer with Canine Companions,” Ty shares. “It fulfills my purpose and is extremely satisfying to me.”
 
From meals to mentorship, Ty’s unwavering dedication has touched countless lives—both human and canine. 
A woman with long brown hair smiles as she sits next to a black Labrador retriever, both outdoors in a green setting. The dog wears a blue harness with a yellow service dog vest, and they appear to be enjoying each other's company.

North Central Region – Jules Rudigier

Whether raising puppies or funds, Jules Rudigier’s passion for Canine Companions always shines through. As a member of the Heartland Volunteer Chapter, Jules has made a major impact in the Kansas City area since raising her first puppy, Julio, in 2021. Along with raising three puppies, Jules has spearheaded fundraisers with local Culver’s restaurants, totaling more than $75,000. With more puppies and fundraisers on the horizon, we’re thankful for Jules continuing to further our mission in innovative and meaningful ways.