C. Richard Scott Memorial Scholarship

Undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership and involvement in their campus communities will be afforded this $400 scholarship in memory of C. Richard Scott. Recipients will be able to participate in an ACUI-sponsored educational activity to network with mentors and peers, learn more about the profession, and take part in leadership and community development activities.

2024 Recipient: Sarah Khan, University of Houston

Sarah Khan has shown leadership on campus from the beginning, winning the First-Year Student Award at the Campus Leader Award Ceremony. She currently serves as the director for the Council for Cultural Activities as well as the chair of the Student Centers Policy Board. In current roles, Khan goes out of her way to support student groups and advise peers regarding policies and events. Her scholarship will be utilized to further her career in higher education.

Nominations for this award are now closed. The nomination period for awards given at the 2026 Annual Conference will open in April 2025.

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:

Have demonstrated leadership experience and involvement in their campus community.
Understand the importance of the profession in advancing campus community.

Degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an ACUI member institution who are not full-time employees at the 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: Maeve Connaughton, Virginia Commonwealth University
2021: Alejandro Jimenez, California State University–Northridge
2019: Mohamad Karim – Portland Community College
2018: Melissa Iracheta – University of Houston
2017: Kien Truong – Portland Community College
2016: Jordan Tapp – Furman University
2015: Tarsha Moore – Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
2014: Abreetta Goode – Texas State University
2012: Molly Peirano – The Ohio State University
2010: Cory Headley – University of Utah
2005: Dana Marcinek – Northeastern University

2003: Dirk Rodricks – University of Vermont
2002: Michele Shelton – Tufts University
2001: Jeremy Sonenschein – California State University–Northridge
2000: Mandy Chong – University of Oregon
1999: Raymond Juarez – California State University–Northridge
1998: Corbin Smyth – University of South Carolina–Columbia
1997: Adrian Rodriguez – Southern Oregon University
1996: Christina Mock – California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

About C. Richard Scott

C. Richard Scott was the director of operations for the University Student Union at California State University–Northridge and also worked at Boston University, Northeastern University, and Indiana University. His leadership roles in ACUI included serving as Region 15 representative as a conference chair, conference host director for Region 15, and the chair of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Committee.