Don Rohel Scholarship

Nominations are now open! Submit by November 20!

The Don Rohel Scholarship is intended to assist professionals with their growth and development in managing and operating college union facilities. The scholarship will cover up to $400 toward the cost of registration to an ACUI event focused on college union operations, facility management, or administration.

2025 Recipient: Lauren Gyurisin, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Lauren Gyurisin is the assistant director for operations & facilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also serves as the Region VI director. In working closely with Don Rohel, she witnessed firsthand his passion for supporting the academic mission while providing welcoming spaces and inspiring others. Gyurisin taught a first-year experience course focused on getting students involved in campus and mentoring them as they navigate the transition to college life. This scholarship allows her to continue to pursue professional development opportunities that benefit her campus. 

Nominations are now open through November 20!

Nominate Now

Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the applicant.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the profession.
  • Articulate an interest in and demonstrate potential benefit from professional development in a proposed educational activity.
  • Understand the importance of college union operations for advancing campus community.

Professionals with three or more 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.

  • 2024: Annissa Rhynders, Clackamas Community College

About Don Rohel

Don Rohel was a dedicated ACUI volunteer throughout his career, investing much of his time volunteering at the regional level, both on Regional Leadership Teams and representing his region on international program teams from 1975 through 2019. Volunteer roles included coordinator for outdoor programs, membership coordinator, and educational program coordinator. Rohel served as the Region 15 Representative; he received the first Region 15 Diane Morisato Staff Recognition Award. He also received the Chris Chergi Staff Recognition Award from Region IV and the Gretchen Laatsch Outstanding Service Award from Region VI. Through his volunteer service, Rohel worked to advance equity in the Association, holding roles on the Women’s Concerns Committee, Committee on Mulit-Ethnic Programs, and the GLBT Concerns Committee. 

Rohel strongly believes in the in-depth professional development and camaraderie one finds through ACUI, and this is recognized with this scholarship in his honor.