The Roger H. Derusha "Endurance Service Award" has been established to honor directors, committee members and volunteers who have gone above and beyond expectations in giving outstanding service to the Foundation. The award is a tribute to the memory of Roger H. Derusha, a member of the founding board of directors, who died suddenly at a Foundation board meeting in 1999. He was a former president of Marinette Marine Corporation and a respected sailor who won many local and regional races with his sailing yacht "Endurance".

The “Endurance” award is generally presented at the Foundation’s annual meeting in August. However, it is not necessarily given annually. It is presented only to a person who has served the organization in ways considerably over and above what could be asked or expected.

Since its inception, the following recipients of this award have been recognized for their service, commitment and dedication to the mission of the Foundation:

1999 Recipient -- Mary Staudenmaier
2001 Recipient -- Frank Lauerman
2002 Recipient -- Sara Lambrecht
2003 Recipient – John Reinke
2005 Recipient - Lynne Rynish
2006 Recipient - Larry Melgary
2007 Recipient - Doug Oitzinger
2008 Recipient - Wesley Hoffman