Nominations are now open! Submit by November 20!
The Emeritus Award is presented to professionals for their leadership and dedication to serving students and advancing campus community through their careers in the college union and student activities field.
While intended to recognize those retiring from the profession, on appropriate occasions, the ACUI Emeritus Award may be awarded to a professional who has rendered exceptional service to ACUI but has left the college union and student activities field in pursuit of another career.
2025 Recipient: Jeff Dunbar, Houston Community College
Jeff Dunbar served in the field for 38 years, including roles at Tidewater Community College, West Virginia University, Sam Houston State University, and Houston Community College, from which he retired in 2024. During his career, Jeff also gave back to ACUI. He was Region 4 director, a member of the 2022 Conference Program Team, and held several regional positions. Upon retirement, Jeff posted he “had a heart full of gratitude” and that his career was “an incredible ride.”
2025 Recipient: Kim Roenn-Devney, Baldwin Wallace University
Kim Roenn-Devney worked in the field for more than 20 years, most of those at Baldwin Wallace University, until her retirement earlier this year. She worked within facilities and events, serving as both the coordinator and director of these areas during her time at the university.
2025 Recipient: Michael Slevin, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Michael Slevin served for more than 30 years at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, starting as a residence hall director before moving into the University Center, where roles included assistant director and associate director. Throughout his career, Michael made an “indelible mark” on the campus, noted one nominator, through his commitment to building campus community for students, faculty, and staff.
2025 Recipient: Cynthia Thompson, University of Illinois–Springfield
Cynthia Thompson will retire from the University of Illinois–Springfield in June. She has served as the director of student life since 2002; prior, she was the coordinator of leadership and development at the University of North Dakota. Cynthia volunteered for Region V as the membership experience coordinator and member of the 2019 Regional Conference Planning Commitee. She was also a member of the Environmental Scan Working Group.
2025 Recipient: Maggie Towle, University of Minnesota
Maggie Towle served for nearly 30 years at the University of Minnesota in roles from the director of student unions and activities to senior associate vice president for student affairs. During her time on campus, Maggie was a champion for students and played a part in many major achievements—Coffman Memorial Union renovation, raising funds for student programs, and more. Maggie also supported the Association during her career, serving on the 2017 Conference Program Team, Region 10 Leadership Team, and Region V Conference Planning Team, among other roles.
2025 Recipient: Jeanni Winston-Muir, Frederick Community College
Jeanni Winston-Muir retired in February after 35 years at Frederick Community College. She started as the director of student life before aspiring to other roles, with her most recent being interim vice president of student life and executive director of student engagement. For ACUI, Jeanni served as the Region 4 coordinator and on the 2016–18 Strategic Planning Core Team, among other roles. Upon retirement, Jeanni said she was “blessed to serve the most remarkable students and work beside the most wonderful colleagues.”
The Emeritus Award is not a membership status. Upon retirement, recipients should retain a retiree membership for continued engagement with the Association (upon retirement, professionals can no longer be affiliated with an institution). Those who receive the award prior to retirement (whether employed within or outside higher education) are not eligible for retiree membership or retiree rates to conference.