Adell McMillan Memorial Scholarship

The Adell McMillan Memorial Scholarship was established to assist women in developing their leadership potential within the profession. It benefits the recipient through up to $1,000 in financial support to participate in activities that provide professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities.

2026 Recipient: Bridget Portier, University of Houston

As senior associate director of the University of Houston Student Centers, and during a six-month period as interim executive director, Bridget Portier has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the campus community. She strives to lead with purpose and contribute to the advancement of the profession.

Nominations are now closed. Submission materials must include the following:

Name, institution, and contact information of the applicant.
A personal essay, written by the applicant, addressing (in 2,500 words or less):
- Evidence that the applicant meets the criteria identified for this specific scholarship.
- A summary of experiences related to advancing campus community, including positions or involvement the applicant has held on campus, in ACUI, and/or with other relevant organizations.
- What activity is requested to be supported by the scholarship, including how the applicant would benefit from participation in the activity.
Two to three letters in support of the applicant to receive the scholarship written by individuals such as direct supervisors/advisors, peers/colleagues, students, faculty members, etc.
And an acknowledgement by the applicant that, if selected:
- They are available to participate in the dates of the proposed activity.
- They may receive a full or partial scholarship, and it is the obligation of the recipient or recipient’s institution to support additional expenses, including travel and lodging, required to participate in the activity.

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

Excel on campus through leadership, achievement, and institutional involvement.
Demonstrate a commitment to and leadership potential in the profession.

Individuals eligible for this award must:

Identify as a woman;
Have one to five years of experience in the profession at an ACUI member institution; or be a degree-seeking student enrolled at an ACUI member institution.

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.

2025: Domonique Sak, Rochester Institute of Technology
2024: Eva Ulukivaiola, University of Alaska–Anchorage
2023: Katy Kaesebier, University of Houston
2022: Sarah Flores, University of Houston
2021: Not awarded
2020: Spencer Stidd, Virginia Tech
2019: Paige LaPoint, University of Alaska–Fairbanks

2018: Erica Epps, North Carolina State University
2017: Alexandra Beynon, Temple University
2016: Kait Howarth, Temple University
2015: Hali Buck, The Ohio State University
2014: Jennifer Powell, Valparaiso University
2013: Reece Painter-Payne, Central Connecticut State University
2012: Laura Rogalski, Western New England University

About Adell McMillan

McMillan served as director of the Erb Memorial Union at the University of Oregon, was president of ACUI, and was the recipient of the Butts-Whiting Award in 1987. In 2006, she authored a collection of oral histories of the college union movement and ACUI titled College Union Pioneers.

This scholarship recognizes her role as one of the first women to serve as a leader of ACUI and her commitment to the development of women in leadership roles.

McMillan was recognized with the Butts-Whiting Award, ACUI’s highest honor, in 1987, and she served as the ACUI president in 1981.