Region VII Awards
Region VII award submissions are currently closed and will reopen again closer to next year’s Regional Conference at Montclair State University. In the meantime, we encourage you to view 2024’s award recipients below and begin thinking about an individual, program, or space to nominate for an award in 2025.
As the highest Region VII honor, this award is presented to an outstanding member of Region VII who has consistently performed above and beyond the call of duty in their role within ACUI and in their institution(s). The individual has attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement on a regional basis through their work within the Association and on their campuses. They exemplify the core values of ACUI by demonstrating exceptional commitment and support of other colleagues and continually volunteering in regional activities, councils, and programs to help advance the mission of ACUI.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The nominee must be active in the field at the time of nomination and have participated in the college union and student activities movement as a professional for a minimum of fifteen (15) years.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Three (3) letters of support: preferably from the following, however, substitutions may be made: A) nominee’s immediate supervisor or colleague, B) a student leader who has worked with the nominee, and C) an ACUI colleague from another institution who has served with the person at the regional or international leadership team level. Letters of support should highlight examples of the following for each award nominee:
- Exemplifies the core values of ACUI
- Contributes to the profession
- Demonstrates an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues, and/or students
- Any involvement in the Association
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Dr. Julie Fleming, Montclair State University
- 2023: Filip Pongratz, Temple University
- 2022: Jennifer Keegin, Binghamton University
- 2018: Mary Edgington, Pennsylvania State University
- 2016: Dave Timmann, West Chester University
This award serves to honor and recognize a longtime college union or student activities professional of a Region VII member institution who has made exceptional contributions and demonstrated a long-term commitment to the profession and within Region VII.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The recipient of this award will have demonstrated long-term volunteer service to Region VII and the college union/student activities field with a minimum of 10 years relevant career experience in the college union/student activities field. The nominee must currently be involved in or recently retired from a member affiliated institution of ACUI and in Region VII.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Two (2) letters of support: preferably from the following, however, substitutions may be made: A) nominee’s immediate supervisor, B) a student leader who has worked with the nominee, and C) an ACUI colleague from another institution who has served with the person at the regional or international leadership team level. Letters of support should highlight examples of the following for each award nominee:
- Exemplifies the core values of ACUI
- Contributes to the overall college union/student activities profession
- Demonstrates an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues, and/or students
- Any involvement in the Association
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Dr. Adriane Reilly, West Chester University
- 2022: Adam Burgman, Suny Downstate
- 2021: Chrissie Taylor, Rutgers University – Camden
- 2020: Dr. Julie Fleming, Montclair State University
- 2018: Kerry Spicer, University at Buffalo
- 2017: Bridget Yule, Syracuse University
- 2016: Meg O’Sullivan, SUNY–Downstate
- 2015: Neela Patel, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
In honor of Dr. Drummond’s passion, commitment and advocacy for multicultural education, this award is presented to an institution, group, or individual for executing an outstanding program, event or activity that took place within the past academic year that demonstrates an understanding of diversity and inclusiveness. The program in consideration should emphasize promotion of cross-cultural communication and acceptance, in addition to advocating for the inclusion of everyone in campus communities.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The program in consideration should have taken place within the past academic year and emphasize promotion of cross-cultural communication and acceptance, in addition to advocating for the inclusion of everyone in campus communities.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Program summary (formal title, location, attendance, and description).
- Programmatic outcomes and how these outcomes were achieved.
- Program budget and identified funding sources (if any).
- An explanation of how the program contributed to the advancement of inclusivity, multicultural education, and/or social justice advocacy.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2022: Men of Color Summit, Binghamton University
- 2021: Social Justice & Action Series, SUNY College at Old Westbury
- 2020: Rutgers University Programming Association for RUPA Presents: Express Yourself Series, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2017: Diversity Zone Training, University at Buffalo, Intercultural and Diversity Center
- 2016: Language Matters, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
This is an award that recognizes leadership, volunteer service and commitment to Region VII and the Association.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
In granting this award, an individual with 5–10 years of relevant career experience is honored whose service, activism, and participation in the region and Association demonstrates an inspirational commitment to the college unions and student activities movement in addition to the mission and values of ACUI.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Two (2) letters of support that can speak to the nominee’s involvement and or special achievements on their campus, and/or in ACUI. Nominations should also be able to speak to the nominees professional experience in the student centers/activities field. Letters of support should highlight examples of the following for each award nominee:
- Exemplifies the core values of ACUI
- Contributes to the overall college union/student activities profession
- Demonstrates an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues, and/or students
- Any involvement in the Association
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Cassandra Lammers, The George Washington University
- 2023: Casey Coleman, Montclair State University
- 2022: Antonio Talamo, Montclair State University
- 2021: Kim Celano, Temple University
- 2020: Melissa Ulmer, Rowan University
- 2019: Kaitlyn Howarth, William Paterson University
- 2017: Toni Kampf, West Chester University
- 2016: Kristen Mruk, Genesee Community College
This award recognizes any program that fosters the enhancement of the campus community. The nominated program will demonstrate clearly stated objectives, include assessment data and/or evaluation materials, and supporting documentation including publicity material, photographs, and/or student testimonials.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The program in consideration should have taken place within the past academic year.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Program summary (formal title, location, attendance, and description).
- Programmatic outcomes and how these outcomes were achieved.
- Program budget and identified funding sources (if any).
- An explanation of how the program contributed to building a sense of community.
- Any supporting documentation of program including, but not limited to: photos, marketing samples, etc. that directly support the program.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Bumpin’ Boulevard, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2023: Nightmare on CloveRoad, Montclair State University
- 2022: Commuter Life Appreciation Week, Montclair State University
- 2021: Red Hawk Night 2021, Montclair State University
- 2020: University System of Maryland United Virtual Benefit Concert
- 2019: Free Food @ Temple Group Chat, Temple University
- 2018: Lead the Pride: A Student Leadership Experience, Pennsylvania State University
- 2017: Camp TU, Temple University
- 2016: Building Inclusive Communities, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
This award is given to an outstanding graduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown exemplary performance in the college union/student activities field and/or commendable service to ACUI.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The recipient of the award must currently be employed in the college union/student activities field at a Region VII college or university and pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. degree. The individual will have demonstrated a positive impact on the community served and commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union by serving as a role model for fellow peers and students and exemplify the core values of the Association in their work and studies.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from an immediate supervisor, advisor, and/or program faculty member. Letters of support should highlight examples of the following for each award nominee:
- Exemplifies the core values of ACUI
- Contributes to the overall college union/student activities profession
- Demonstrates an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues and/or students
- Involvement in the Association
- If self-nominating, nominees must submit an essay detailing campus and ACUI involvement detailing how they exemplify the core values of ACUI in their work and studies
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Ryan Breyta, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- 2023: Alexis Robinson, Rowan University
- 2022: Meghan Myers, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2020: Serafina Genise, Rowan University
- 2019: Kira Casas, Montclair State University
- 2017: Carly Samuels, Rowan University
- 2016: Brittany Shaw, West Chester University
This award is for an outstanding new professional who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The nominated individual will have served five (5) years or less in the profession of college unions and/or student activities, demonstrated a support to the region and Association, 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 VII and/or the Association by their involvement.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Two (2) letters of support that can speak to the nominee’s involvement and or special achievements on their campus, and/or in ACUI. Nominations should also be able to speak to the nominee’s professional experience in the student centers/activities field. Letters of support should highlight examples of the following for each award nominee:
- Exemplifies the core values of ACUI
- Contributes to the overall college union/student activities profession
- Demonstrates an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues and/or students
- Involvement in the Association
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Serafina Genise, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- 2023: Ryan Gillen, Rutgers University
- 2022: Marla Ernest, Suny Geneseo
- 2021: Andrea Giachino, Temple University
- 2020: Denee Jenkins, SUNY Old Westbury
- 2019: Casey Coleman, Montclair State University
- 2018: Olivia Lynch, University of Pittsburgh
- 2017: Heather Maclin, University of Rochester
- 2016: Alexandra Beynon, Temple University
This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The nominated individual must be an undergraduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has demonstrated significant contributions to their home campus and serve as a role model for fellow peers and students in addition to exemplifying the core values of the Association in their work and studies.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from an immediate supervisor, advisor, and/or program faculty member. Letters of support should highlight examples of the following for each award nominee:
- Exemplifies the core values of ACUI
- Contributes to the overall college union/student activities profession
- Demonstrates an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues and/or students
- Involvement in the Association
- If self-nominating, nominees must submit an essay detailing campus and ACUI involvement detailing how they exemplify the core values of ACUI in their work and studies
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Angela Castro, Montclair State University; Midas Leung, Binghamton University
- 2023: Maddison Chin, Montclair State University
- 2022: Cam Wade, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2021: Shaelyn McCarthy, The George Washington University
- 2020: John Magala IV, Temple University
- 2019: Octavia Minter, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2018: Robert “bobby” Gerami, University of Rochester
- 2017: Maiya Robinson, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2016: Megan Henry, Temple University
This award recognizes a planned, implemented and evaluated space within a Region VII College Union that embodies ACUI’s Role of the College Union statement.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The nominated space strives to “advance a sense of community, unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests.” This space “bolsters the educational mission of the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners”.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- A written description of the space. Please include:
- Describing connection with the community, campus, and the environment in which the space sits.
- Details of the planning and design process (renovation, repurpose, re-build, etc.) including any input from students and inclusion of partners
- Photos of the space
- A letter of support from an immediate supervisor or students speaking directly to the space.
- Letters of support should highlight the following for each nominated area:
- Exemplifies the core values of ACUI
- Contributes to the overall college union/student activities profession
- Demonstrates an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues and/or students
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2024: Community Kitchen, University of Rochester
- 2022: Manhattan College Multicultural Center
Region VII Scholarships
Region VII offers scholarships that help advance professionals and students through participation in educational events. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please see below for applicable programs and deadlines. Please email Region VII Recognition Coordinator, Jen Keegin at [email protected] with any questions.
Every year, Region VII allows any interested members, whether an undergraduate or graduate student or professional in the field, to apply for scholarship funding to cover up to $500 of registration, lodging, or transportation fees of any ACUI-affiliated program. Programs may include the Women’s Leadership Institute, I-LEAD®, IPDS, Student Organizations Institute, Annual Conference, or a Regional Conference. Applicants are required to submit an essay explaining their desire for the scholarship, which program they would like to attend and why, and a plan for development through attendance at the selected ACUI-affiliated program. If a student, proof of good academic standing is required in addition to a letter of support from their host institution and one letter of recommendation.
Deadlines
- To be considered for a scholarship to attend an ACUI program, please submit your application no later than two weeks prior to the registration deadline for said program.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
Nominations must include:
- Essay explaining the program you would like to attend and why, and a plan for development through attendance at the selected ACUI-affiliated program
- Proof of academic good standing (if a student)
- One letter of recommendation
- Financial breakdown of registration, lodging, or transportation fees in which you are requesting scholarship funds for
- Acknowledgment that fees exceeding the $500 covered by Region VII are at cost to the host institution or individual
- Acknowledgment that transportation/lodging fees will be paid out by scholarship recipient and then reimbursed by Region VII pending verification of receipts