Excellence in Volunteer Service Award

The Excellence in Volunteer Service Award acknowledges up to six individuals annually for their success and loyalty to ACUI during the previous 12 months in a volunteer role. The individual’s high level of engagement affirms the value of professional service, validating their leadership, passion, and contribution to ACUI.

2026 Recipient: Antonio Talamo, Montclair State University  

Within ACUI, Antonio Talamo was on the Conference Planning Team for 2021 Regional Conference. He is a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops and a trusted colleague within the Association. Talamo is currently serving his second term as an educational program coordinator for Region VIII, where his focus has been engaging graduate students. Talamo initiated the Grad and Grow Institute, which has been a tremendous success within the region and beyond for the last four years. As one nominator shared, “His ability to bring people together, manage complex logistics, and uphold ACUI’s values has strengthened our region and left a lasting impact.” 

2026 Recipient: Michael Wigg, University of Westminster

Michael has built an exemplary record of service through multiple impactful volunteer roles. He embodies the award’s values through sustained and meaningful contributions. His involvement includes serving on the ACUI 2026 Conference Planning Team, acting as a facilitator for I-LEAD® in 2025, and providing financial and strategic expertise as the business manager for Region VIII. Wigg is a volunteer whose service strengthens ACUI and whose servant/volunteer leadership elevates those around him. One nominator shared, “Michael’s impact is felt not only in the quality of his contributions but in the energy and dedication he brings to ACUI.” 

Nominations are now closed. Submission materials must include the following:

  • Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
  • Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
  • Two to three letters in support of the applicant to receive the award written by individuals such as direct supervisors/advisors, peers/colleagues, students, faculty members, etc., addressing:
    • The achievements of the nominee in the profession.
    • The demonstrated commitment of the nominee to the criteria identified for this specific award.
    • A summary of the nominee’s background to provide evidence that they meet the criteria identified for this specific award, including information related to professional experience and volunteer service—providing a current resume or curriculum vitae for the nominee is optional.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. The nominee must:

  • Have exceptional service to ACUI through a defined volunteer role, not on the ACUI Leadership Team.
  • Demonstrate a contribution, passion, and impact to the profession and ACUI through their volunteer service.

  • Individuals with membership in ACUI who have performed in at least one non-Leadership Team volunteer role during the previous 12 months is eligible for this award.
  • Volunteers serving on the ACUI Leadership Team during the previous 12 months shall not be considered eligible for this award, which includes Board of Trustees members, Education Council members, regional directors, and special appointments.

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.

  • 2025: Isaac Barber, University of Connecticut; Kraemer Clayton, Rutgers University–New Brunswick; Beth Goad, University of Denver 
  • 2024: Cody Buechner, University of Alaska–Anchorage
  • 2023: Nicole Bellcorelli, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh; Deidre Kennelly, Mary Immaculate College; Chrissie King, Rutgers University–Camden; Kat Romero, Texas State University
  • 2022: Jennifer Duncan, Agnes Scott College; Ali Myszewski, Marquette University; Molly Orr, University of North Texas
  • 2021 – Brent Freeman, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • 2020: Angel Flowers, Indianapolis University-Purdue University–Indianapolis; Danielle Mancuso, Southern Oregon University
  • 2019: Clayton Kolb, Virginia Tech; Rhonda Laylo, University of Illinois–Chicago; Brian Magee, University of Rochester; Kerry Spicer, Daemen College; Brian Starkel, Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis
  • 2018: Elise Alford, Boise State University; Lauren Sposato, University of Houston; Alison Ward, University of Tennessee
  • 2017: Shanna Kinzel, California State University–Monterey Bay
  • 2016: Heather Beasley, Purdue University; Jennifer Keegin, Binghamton University
  • 2015: Michael Sprinkl, Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis
  • 2014: Laura Ballou, University of Rochester; Amanda Ellertson, Portland Community College; Scott Reed, Virginia Tech; Molly Ward, Weber State University