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.
2026 Recipient: Luke Altendorf, Texas A&M University
Luke Altendorf worked in the profession for more than 40 years, with most of his career spent as the director of the Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University. Altendorf will retire from the university as the director of strategic collaborations for student affairs. Throughout his career, Altendorf served ACUI in various roles with the former Region 12 and two terms on the Education and Research Fund Program Team. Nominators spoke to Altendorf’s “authentic investment” in those around him, his humor and supportiveness, and even his magic act.
2026 Recipient: Boyd Beckwith, Georgia State University
After more than 35 years in the profession, Boyd Beckwith will retire from Georgia State University as assistant vice president for student life. Throughout his career, Beckwith also worked within student centers and student life at Indiana University–Southeast, Georgia Tech, University of Arizona, and Rice University. Beckwith served as the former Region 12 director from 2003–2005. Additionally, he held communications roles with both Region 12 and current Region III and was the Urban Unions Community of Practice leader.
2026 Recipient: Sue Burket, James Madison University
Sue Burket dedicated much of her career to James Madison University, serving as assistant director of event management since 2004.
2026 Recipient: Tim Hogan, North Carolina State University
Tim Hogan will retire after more than 30 years in the field. Hogan worked at Ohio University and Georgia State University prior to joining North Carolina State University in 2011 as operations director. Since 2013, he has served as the director of the University Student Centers. During his career, Hogan gave back to ACUI through roles with the former Region 7 and current Region III, as well as the Volunteer Development Team. Nominators described Hogan as a “steadfast champion” and “visionary leader.”
2026 Recipient: Marcia Gerwig, Carnegie Mellon University
Marcia Gerwig spent her entire career at Carnegie Mellon University, serving as the director of the Student Center since it opened in 1996. She saw the building through multiple renovations and major projects. Gerwig shared the benefits of ACUI with colleagues, encouraging them to partake in professional development opportunities. Nominators describe Gerwig’s career as “extensive and impactful” and her legacy as “professionalism, composure, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.”
2026 Recipient: MaRsha Guenzler-Stevens, University of Maryland
Marsha Guenzler-Stevens served as the director of the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland for more than 30 years. Colleagues describe Guenzler-Stevens as “active and passionate” when it comes to her work and serving the campus community.
2026 Recipient: Mitch Kilcrease, Florida State University
Mitch Kilcrease has worked in the profession for more than 30 years, most recently as the assistant vice president, office of business services at Florida State University. Kilcrease also worked at Oklahoma State University, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and Oshkosh, and Washburn University during his career. He served on the former Region 8 Leadership Team.
2026 Recipient: Paula McNeel, Lamar University
Paula McNeel will retire as the assistant director at Lamar University after more than 20 years of service.
2026 Recipient: Jeff Stebar, Perkins&Will
Jeff Stebar served as a principal at Perkins&Will for more than 20 years. During his career, Stebar worked on more than 60 student union projects. He is an avid supporter of ACUI, helping to ensure his company remained connected to the Association and presenting more than 30 times at Annual and Regional Conferences and contributing to The Bulletin.
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.