The first Lasallian Volunteer Awards were presented during the volunteer orientation at Lincroft, New Jersey, on July 29, 2010. Heather Ruple is the first recipient of the newly established Bassen Service Award for her outstanding work at San Miguel School, Providence, Rhode Island, where she worked as a Lasallian Volunteer teacher from 2001-2003, and now serves as Academic Dean.

The Bassen Service Award is one of three Lasallian Volunteer Awards honoring men and women who embody values of faith, community and service. The other two awards are named in honor of Brother John Johnston (the Johnston Faith Award) and Br. Michael Farrell (the Farrell Community Award).

Heather was commended for continued involvement in the program as a mentor and retreat presenter, and for leadership in Young Lasallians and District projects. She accepted the award, saying, "I am humbled. When I think over the last ten years and the impact the Lasallian volunteers have had on my life, when I think of the high points and the low points of my life and all those in between, Lasallian Volunteers and the Lasallian family have been there, and I am so grateful."

The Bassen Service Award was established in recognition of Brother Christopher Bassen of the San Francisco District. Br. Christopher was deeply committed to the Brothers’ mission of educating the poor and worked closely with Lasallian Volunteers at the Lasallian Educational Opportunies Center (LEO) in Oakland, California, which he co-founded with Brother Lawrence Haley. Br. Christopher died in 2006.

Other Lasallian Volunteer awardees were Br. Ed Gallagher, who received the Farrell Community Award, and Tom and Joanne Darnowski who received the Johnston Faith Award.