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.
ACUI is no longer accepting nominations for this award. Please check back in 2024 for information about the next nomination period.
2024 Recipient: Carolos Garcia
Carlos Garcia worked for more than 40 years in the field; he retired in February as the associate vice chancellor for administration and finance at University of Colorado–Colorado Springs. Garcia is most proud of helping student affairs departments receive much needed resources. Garcia also served ACUI through roles in Region 12, as a consultant for the CUSA evaluation program, and as an at-large member of the Board of Trustees.
2023 Recipient: Susan LeBow
Susan LeBow is a dedicated leader, always making time for colleagues and students alike. She worked for more than 28 years at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, retiring as the associate director, University Centers. The impact LeBow had throughout her career is immeasurable; in fact, nominators found it difficult to concisely define the importance of her presence, attitude, and work ethic.
2024 Recipient: Amy Lopez-Matthews
Amy Lopez-Matthews will retire in July as executive director, Center for Student Involvement at the University of Dayton, concluding more than 35 years at the campus. Her time at the university helped to shape it into the welcoming community it is today. Lopez-Matthews also helped advance ACUI through her leadership as the Catholic Colleges and Universities Community leader for seven years.
2024 Recipient: Michael Madecky
During his career, Michael Madecky had a profound impact on those around him—both colleagues and students. He retired in January from the University of Kansas–Wichita after more than 50 years in the field. Madecky served the former Region 11 as a conference chair, regional representative, and other roles throughout this career.
2024 Recipient: Rene Singleton
Rene Singleton is described as a pillar of the University of Washington by those campaigning for the university’s Singleton Leadership Fund created in her honor. Singleton retired from her role as associate director for student activities in December; she worked at the university for 33 years. In 2014, Singleton appeared in an In Focus video about ACUI and the role it plays in advancing campus community.
2024 Recipient: BETSY SUNDHOLM
Betsy Sundholm retired from the University of Michigan in May of last year after more than 27 years with the university. Sundholm was an advocate for the role of recreation and leisure activities, primarily billiards, in the college union. She served as recreation coordinator for the former Region 7 and the Recreation and Leisure Activities Program Team chair, among other roles.
2024 Recipient: WILLIAM SCHWEHR
William Schwehr helped bring new ideas to life during his time at the University of Houston. He retired last year after nearly 40 years as the assistant director, leisure services. Schwehr was passionate about his work and meeting student needs. He did for students beyond just the University of Houston as a host for ACUI’s recreational tournaments.