Region V Graphics Competition
Region V Awards
Region V Scholarships

Region V Scholarships

We encourage Region V members to apply for a scholarship to advance their personal and professional development!

We are currently accepting scholarship applications on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

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Region V Awards

Region V has established the following awards to recognize the outstanding work our members contribute to their home campuses, the Association, and the field. Recipients will be recognized annually at the regional conference.

Nomination Procedures

  • The online nomination form must be completed by a current member from an institution within Region V.
  • The required letters of recommendation/nomination (described below for each award) should be submitted in the online nomination form.
    • Letters of recommendation should provide evidence through specific examples of how the nominee meets the qualifications for the award as described below.
    • Please read the criteria closely and address them fully. The selection committee will use the information you provide to score the nominees on a rubric. The more specific you are, the better they will be able to score the nominees.
    • Tips for Writing Nomination Letters for Professional Awards
  • Additional materials may be submitted in the online nomination form as described, but are not required.
    • These may include, but are not limited to: the nominee’s resume or other documentation of experience, activities, and academic standing (if applicable); letters of recommendation beyond the minimum required; and/or photos or other materials demonstrating the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
  • After the nomination deadline, the selection committee will review the nomination materials and evaluate the submissions based on the criteria as described below.
  • Recipients, nominees, and nominators will be notified via email of the outcome once the selection has been completed.

This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student at a member institution of Region V who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field. The recipient will have demonstrated significant contributions to their home campus and served as a role model for fellow peers and students, in addition to exemplifying the core values of the Association in their work and studies.

Criteria considered in selection:

  • Eligibility as an undergraduate student, in good academic standing, at a member institution within Region V
  • Exhibits a strong work ethic in their role in the student union and/or student activities
  • Demonstrates significant contribution(s) to their home campus
  • Serves as a role model for peers
  • Exemplifies the ACUI Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation

Required nomination materials:

  • Online nomination form
  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor

Optional additional supporting materials:

  • Resume or other documentation of experience, activities, and academic standing
  • Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
  • Photos or other materials demonstrating the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
  • 2024: Emma Politoski, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  • 2023: Sarah Zuern, University Of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  • 2022: Amber Peterson, University of North Dakota
  • 2021: Mariah Mihm, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
  • 2020: Carmen Seda, Marquette University
  • 2019: Jessica Rosignol, UW-Whitewater
  • 2018: Bisrat Bayou, University of St. Thomas
  • 2017: Grzegorz Krzywicki, Northwestern University
  • 2016: Justin Humphrey, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ania Holubecki, Northwestern University
  • 2015: Alex McLean, Marquette University

This award is given to an outstanding graduate student at a member institution of Region V who has shown exemplary performance in the college union/student activities field and commendable service to ACUI. The recipient will have demonstrated a positive impact on the community served, a commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union by serving as a role model for fellow peers and students, and exemplifying the core values of the Association in their work and studies

Criteria considered in selection:

  • Eligibility as a graduate or doctoral student, currently employed in the college union and/or student activities at a member institution within Region V
  • Exhibits exemplary service in their role in the student union and/or student activities
  • Makes commendable contributions to ACUI
  • Demonstrates a positive impact on the community they serve
  • Demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union
  • Serves as a role model for peers and students
  • Exemplifies the ACUI Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation

Required nomination materials:

  • Online nomination form
  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor

Optional additional supporting materials:

  • Resume or other documentation of experience and activities, including service to ACUI
  • Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
  • Photos or other materials demonstrating the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
  • 2024: Sydney Pantini, Iowa State University
  • 2023: Ahja Howard, University Of Illinois–Springfield
  • 2022: No recipient
  • 2021: Haley Simpson, University of Illinois–Springfield
  • 2020: Jasmin Valadez, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
  • 2019: Cydney Coffey, Minnesota State University–Mankato
  • 2018: No recipient
  • 2017: No recipient
  • 2016: Darien Abadie, Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
  • 2015: Caitlin Cohn, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This award is given to an outstanding new professional in college unions and/or student activities who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement. The nominated individual will have demonstrated a positive impact on the community served, and commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated support to Region V and/or the Association by their involvement at the local, regional, or international level.

Criteria considered in selection:

  • Eligibility as a new professional, having served not less than two years and no more than five years in the field, and is currently employed in the college union and/or student activities at a member institution within Region V
  • Serves as a model of employee service
  • Demonstrates a positive impact on the community they serve
  • Demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union
  • Exemplifies the ACUI Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation
  • Involvement with the Association at the local, regional, and/or international level

Required nomination materials:

  • Online nomination form
  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor

Optional additional supporting materials:

  • Resume documenting past and present positions held in the college union and/or student activities field and service to ACUI
  • Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
  • Photos or other materials documenting the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
  • 2024: Elise Grabowska, University of Minnesota Morris
  • 2023: Nicole Proulx, University Of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  • 2022: Brian Warzynski, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
  • 2021: Tyler Klaver, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
  • 2020: Ashley Hall, University of Illinois–Springfield
  • 2019: Edi Kuhn, Marquette University
  • 2018: Jackie Grinvalds, Northeastern Illinois University
  • 2017: David Lemon, University of St.Thomas
  • 2016: Anthony Faris, North Dakota State University
  • 2015: Jacob Waldner, North Dakota State University

This award honors an individual employed by a member institution who has exemplified the mission, vision, and values of their home institution and ACUI. The recipient will have demonstrated one or more of the following qualities: a commitment to fostering environments that promote student learning and personal development; engaging in campus activities beyond their primary area; impacting others through excellence in service to the campus community; enhancing work-life quality in a significant way for colleagues and others; developing creative problem-solving solutions that enhance efficiency; consistently embodying their institution’s values; and showing dedication to the mission, vision, and values of ACUI. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated support to Region V and/or the Association by their involvement at the local, regional, or international level.

Criteria considered in selection:

  • Eligibility as a current part-time or full-time employee within the college union and/or student activities at a member institution within Region V
  • Demonstrates one or more of the following criteria:
    • Creates campus environments that promote student learning and personal development
    • Engages their campus beyond their direct area or department
    • Impacts others through mentorship and guidance
    • Enhances the quality of work life in ways that make a significant difference for colleagues or others
    • Provides outstanding and ongoing excellence in service to faculty, staff, students, community, and/or other constituents
    • Develops creative solutions to problems that result in significantly more effective and efficient department or university operations
    • Consistently embodies one or more of their institution’s values
    • Exemplifies the ACUI Mission, Vision, and Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation
  • Involvement with the Association at the local, regional, and/or international level

Required nomination materials:

  • Online nomination form
  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor

Optional additional supporting materials:

  • Resume documenting past and present positions held in the college union and/or student activities field and service to ACUI
  • Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
  • Photos or other materials documenting the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
  • 2024: Simón Franco, University of Minnesota Morris
  • 2023: Dornette Ashley, Northwestern University
  • 2022: Marie Watson, University of Illinois Springfield
  • 2021: Sara Suwalski, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
  • 2020: Sarah Meyer, University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  • 2019: No recipient
  • 2018: Brittany Williams, Northwestern University
  • 2017: Kyle Burke, Northeastern Illinois University
  • 2016: Jeni Eltink, University of Minnesota Duluth
  • 2015: (2) Brent Freeman, University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Ashley Katz, Western Illinois University

This award is presented to an institution, group, or individual for executing an outstanding program, event, project, or activity that fosters the enhancement of the campus community. Examples of such initiatives include, but are not limited to: social media or marketing campaigns, building improvements, process/operational efficiencies, hosted events, recognition programs, staff training, or other new ideas that have been implemented in the college union. Student involvement, creativity, and success of the initiative are considered in selection of the award.

Criteria considered in selection:

  • Eligibility as an institution, group, or individual that executed an outstanding program, event, project, or activity within the past academic year (or ongoing) at a member institution within Region V
  • Student involvement
  • Creativity
  • Success of the initiative

Required nomination materials:

  • Online nomination form
  • One nomination letter
  • Summary of the initiative including the title, a brief description, and intended/achieved outcomes

Optional additional supporting materials:

  • Budget with funding sources identified
  • Assessment or evaluations showing achievement of goals
  • Photos, videos, marketing samples, etc. that directly demonstrate the impact and success of the initiative
Past Recipients
  • 2024: No Recipient
  • 2023: HEROES, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
  • 2022: UIS CARES Program- University of Illinois Springfield
  • 2021: William Tourville, Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • 2020: #MorrisMission, University of Minnesota Morris
  • 2016: Masters of Success Program, North Dakota State University

This award, the highest honor presented by ACUI Region V, recognizes a professional who has actively participated in the college union and student activities movement for at least 10 years and is currently active in the field. The recipient will have attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement both within the Association and on their campus(es). Candidates should be individuals of integrity, stature, and demonstrated ability, inspiring pride among students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Additionally, they must have a notable record of success on campus, within the Association, and in the community, showcasing impressive accomplishments in the college union and student activities movement.

Criteria considered in selection:

  • Eligibility as a person who has served as a professional in the college union and/or student activities field for a minimum of 10 years and is currently active in the field at a member institution within Region V
  • Attained prominence through their efforts to develop the college union and/or student activities profession through their work within the Association and on their home campus.
  • Is a person of such integrity, stature, and demonstrated ability that the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of their college will take pride in and be inspired by this recognition
  • Eminently successful on campus, in the Association, and in the community, with a record of accomplishment that is impressive to the college union and student activities movement.
  • Exemplary service to ACUI at the local, regional, and/or international level
  • Outstanding service to the nominee’s home campus(es)
  • Embodies the Mission, Vision, and Values of their home institution
  • Exemplifies the ACUI Mission, Vision, and Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation

Required nomination materials:

  • Online nomination form
  • Three letters of recommendation – two from professional colleagues and one from a student
  • Resume or other documentation of past and present positions held in the college union and/or student activities field and service to ACUI

Optional additional supporting materials:

  • Letters of recommendation beyond the three required
  • Photos or other materials documenting the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award 
Past Recipients
  • 2024: Missy Burgess, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  • 2023: Jeni Eltink, University of Minnesota Duluth
  • 2022: Kyle Burke, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
  • 2021: Kelly Schaefer, Northwestern University
  • 2020: Maggie Towle, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
  • 2019: No recipient
  • 2018: David Israels-Swenson, University of Minnesota Morris
  • 2017: Richard Thomas, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  • 2016: No recipient
  • 2015: Corbin Smyth, University of Minnesota Duluth

Region V Graphics Competition

The Region V Graphics Contest showcases the exceptional marketing and promotional ideas that have been designed by members within Region V. The winners of the Graphics Contest will have their artwork displayed at various times throughout the ACUI Region V conference.

The following rules and requirements must be met to be considered for this contest: 

1. Each institution is allowed to submit TWO designs for each category. 

  • ONE design created by a Pro Staff member(s) 
  • ONE design created by a Student Staff member(s) 

If we receive more than one submission per category, we will select the first submission (based on the time stamp) and disregard all other submissions for that category.  

2. Each design can only be entered into the contest once, so select the appropriate category wisely. If you do not  have a design for each category, that is okay too!  

3. All designs must have been created between November 2022 and September 2023.

Remember, for each category you can submit ONE design created by a Pro-Staff member, and ONE design created by a Student Staff member.

  • Apparel & Uniforms: Please provide photos of folks wearing apparel or display the artwork on a clothing template so the design intention is understood.
  • Banners and Large Format Posters: Window banners, athletic banners, homecoming promos, etc.
  • Brochure: This consists of a one page, single or double-sided, folded, print production. If the brochure is  two-sided, please attach both front and back views.
  • Cards & Invitations: This may include postcards, event invitations, etc.
  • Digital Signage: This may include designs intended for any digital monitors around your campus.
  • Handmade Designs: This category allows you to share some of your designs that might not fall in the typical Graphic Design category. These designs could include such things as: bulletin board designs,  chalkboard walls, dry erase board designs, window painting, etc.
  • Logo/Brand Identity: Please provide logos by themselves and not as part of another piece of artwork.
  • Multi-Page Publication: This can include such items as: booklets, ladder books, magazines, catalogs,  calendars, etc.
  • Promotional Campaign: Promotional campaigns consist of two or more separate category pieces  presented together as a cohesive campaign. For example, a Digital Sign and Instagram Post for New  Student Orientation, etc.
  • Promotional Swag: Swag is typically branded merchandise that is given away as a form of  advertising. Swag items may include such things as: Stickers, chip clips, pens, tote bags, water bottles,  lanyards, keychains, buttons etc. Please supply a photograph of any unique swag you utilized this year.
  • Signs: This category includes designs that are typically more permanent. For instance, directional signage,  restaurant signs, menu boards, etc.
  • Social Media: Because social media is such a large category, we are going to break it into smaller pieces,  allowing you to share more of your content. Please submit 2 designs under each of the following  categories:
    • Social Media Account Aesthetic: Social media branding is about consistently using the right methods to engage with your target audience on your social media platforms and what kind of vibe you give off. We want to see the overall look and feel of your social media profiles. Please provide links and/or screenshots of your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
    • Social Media Campaign: This must include 3 or more cohesive posts, videos, or some form of content that was shared on a social media platform(s).
    • Social Media Post: This includes images and captions.
    • Social Media Video: This includes TikTok videos, reels, Instagram stories, etc. that were specifically created to be shared on these platforms.
  • Small-Scale Print Designs: This includes such things as: Table tents, flyers, business cards, etc.
  • Videos: Promotional videos or advertisements, training videos, orientation presentations, etc. This does  not include videos created or intended specifically for social media, I.e., TikTok videos, reels, stories, etc.
  • Wall Art & Decor: This category includes designs that are typically more permanent. For instance, murals, vinyl displays, oversize photo prints, 3D art, etc.
  • Websites: This can include any part of your institution’s website. Please provide specific examples (Student Organization Directory, Campus food Pantry, etc.).
  • Miscellaneous: Please include any other project that you may have worked on this past year that does not  fit within any of the other categories above.

View the winners on Facebook or Instagram!

Brochure
  • Professional: Weltonia Harris- University of Illinois Chicago
  • Student: Andrew Endres- University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Calendar/SchedulE
  • Professional: Mary Umbarger- University of Illinois Springfield
  • Student: Alison Acker- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Card/Invitation
  • Student: Morgan Furstenberg- University of Wisconsin- Platteville
COVID-19
  • Student: Emily Davis- University of Wisconsin- Platteville
Digital Campaign
  • Professional: Megan Williams- University of Illinois Chicago
  • Student: Jada Thur- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater 
Interior/Wall Art
  • Professional: Daniel Moutray, Brandon Macier, Nathan Bonner & Malea Bailey- Southern Illinois University
  • Student: Rachel Kinjerski, Kallie Kneuppel- University of Wisconsin- Green Bay
Logo/Brand Identity
  • Professional: Megan Williams- University of Illinois Chicago
  • Student: Andraia Bieth – University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Miscellaneous
  • Professional: Godfrey Carmona- University of Illinois Chicago
  • Student: Andrew Endres- University of Wisconsin- Platteville
Multi-Page Publication
  • Professional: Godfrey Carmona- University of Illinois Chicago 
  • Student: Andrew Endres, Morgan Furstenberg, Emily Davis, Claire Polinag University of Wisconsin- Platteville
Poster
  • Professional: Godfrey Carmona- University of Chicago
  • Student: Max Kroll- North Western University
Promotional Campaign
  • Professional: Godfrey Carmona- University of Chicago
  • Student: Alexa Nelson- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Sign/Banner
  • Professional: Godfrey Carmona- University of Chicago
  • Student: Andrew Endres University of Wisconsin- Platteville
Social Media Campaign
  • Professional: Max Homstad & Isabel Finn University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • Student: Peyton Boelk University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
T-Shirt
  • Professional: Corey Stilwell- University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
  • Student: Clara Huskin & Annika Carter University of Wisconsin – Madison 
Video
  • Professional: Malea Bailey, Brandon Macier, Carson Vanbuskirk, Brian Beiser- Southern Illinois University
  • Student: Sachith Wanniarachchi- Minnesota State University Mankato
Website
  • Professional: Kaylie Connaughty & Corey Stillwell University of Wisconsin- La Crosse