Julie Hart Schutte '89
2003 Young Alumna of the Year

Julie Hart Schutte works to find jobs for people with developmental disabilities in the Mitchell area. Before being named director of Career Connections, an employment resource business and outreach program of the Mitchell Area Adjustment Training Center, Hart Schutte worked as a testing and placement specialist at Mitchell Technical Institute. She was also an assistant director and a counselor in admissions at DWU.

When Hart Schutte is not working at Career Connections, you might find her on stage or working behind the scenes with Area Community Theatre. She serves as president of ACT and in 2001 won the best actress award.

Hart Schutte was appointed by Mitchell's mayor to serve on the Community Cultural Planning Process Committee. She also created the Outstanding Community Employee Award and annual celebration honoring community employees for the training center. She assisted a person with disabilities in starting her own shredding business, and while at MTI she implemented the first job fair at the technical school. She also serves as a regional and state judge for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Hart Schutte is also involved with the Mitchell Area Human Resources Association, the Ambassador Committee of the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce and the Lacy Feathers Committee of Ducks Unlimited and is a class agent for DWU's 1989 graduating class. She earned a master's degree in counseling and human resource development from South Dakota State University.

Hart Schutte and her husband, Brett Schutte '91, live in Mitchell with their two young daughters, Kaylynn and Jenna. Hart Schutte will receive her award during Blue and White Days in October.