The Richard D. Blackburn New Professional Award honors an emerging leader in the profession for their energy and involvement in advancing campus community. The recipient receives a $400 cash prize to celebrate their commitment and allow for additional networking with peers, continued career growth, and professional development.

2024 Recipient: Amanda Griffiths, University of Tennessee

Whether supervising undergraduate students, creating a more just and inclusive campus through her work establishing and managing the Interfaith meditation space, or spending countless hours advising the university dance program, Amanda Griffiths’s commitment to serve others is consistently significant.

ACUI is accepting nominations through November 20.

Nominate Now

ACUI is accepting nominations through November 20.

Nominate Now

Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
  2. Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
  3. Two to three letters in support of the applicant to receive the award written by individuals such as direct supervisors/advisors, peers/colleagues, students, faculty members, etc., addressing:
    • The achievements of the nominee in the profession.
    • The demonstrated commitment of the nominee to the criteria identified for this specific award.
    • A summary of the nominee’s background to provide evidence that they meet the criteria identified for this specific award, including information related to professional experience and volunteer service—providing a current resume or curriculum vitae for the nominee is optional.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. 

  • Achievement in student activities or college union management 
  • Demonstrated enhancement of the college union ideal 
  • Service to the Association 

Professionals with one to five years of experience in the profession at an ACUI member institution are eligible for this award.

Electronic notification will be sent to confirm award submissions have been received. A confidential Individuals Awards and Scholarships Committee, appointed annually by the ACUI president, will review materials to make the selection. One recipient will be chosen, unless otherwise noted for the specific award. One physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual conference and in subsequent publications.

  • 2023: Abby Pieger, Bentley University 
  • 2022: Andrea Giachino, Temple University
  • 2021: Matthew DeCarlo, Stony Brook University
  • 2020: Edi Kuhn – Marquette University
  • 2019: Shane Farmer – Furman University
  • 2018: William Takewell – University of Kentucky
  • 2017: Mara Dahlgren – Indiana University–Bloomington
  • 2016: Morgan Meehan – The Ohio State University
  • 2015: Kim Kruchen – University of Colorado
  • 2014: Kim Pho – University of Notre Dame
  • 2013: Daniel Gray – University of Houston
  • 2012: Jody Poth – The Ohio State University
  • 2011: Kristen Salo – University of Colorado
  • 2010: Jason Cruz – University of Southern California
  • 2009: Filip Pongratz – Temple University
  • 2008: Jim Fawcett – University of Houston
  • 2007: Tari Wimbley – Indiana University-Bloomington
  • 2006: Tamara Yakaboski – University of Arizona
  • 2005: Heather Owen – Purdue University
  • 2004: Zane Reif – University of North Carolina-Charlotte
  • 2004: Kimberly Timpani – Clemson University
  • 2003: Susan Pile – University of Michigan
  • 2003: Joseph Gutowski – Case Western Reserve University
  • 2002: Paul Sutera – Rice University
  • 2001: Keith Kowalka – University of Houston
  • 2000: Melinda Griffith – University of Arizona
  • 1999: Cedric Howard – Weber State University
  • 1998: Sallie Tchang – California State University-Los Angeles
  • 1997: Ann-Marie Algier – University of Rochester
  • 1996: Sarah Aikman – Kansas State University

About Richard Blackburn

Blackburn served ACUI in numerous leadership positions, including president in 1968-1969 and executive director from 1982-1991. Throughout his career, which included serving as the director of the union on three college campuses, he demonstrated continuous commitment to the development of student leaders and to new professionals.

His support and encouragement of individuals is felt today through the leadership of college union and student activities administrators everywhere who had the privilege of working with him in the early stages of their careers. His influence on and encouragement of new professionals is reflected in this award, given annually to an individual who demonstrates the potential for excellence in the field of college union and student activities work.