C. Richard Scott Memorial Scholarship

Undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership and involvement in their campus communities will be afforded this $400 scholarship in memory of C. Richard Scott. Recipients will be able to participate in an ACUI-sponsored educational activity to network with mentors and peers, learn more about the profession, and take part in leadership and community development activities.

2026 Recipient: Ben Howard, Western Carolina University 

From the time that Ben Howard was hired as a student worker in the Operations Unit of the Department of Campus Activities, he has displayed exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to building an inclusive and vibrant campus community. Howard founded the Student Event Coalition to bring students from all backgrounds together to plan large-scale events that unite and uplift the campus community. This initiative alone demonstrates his vision, organizational skills, and ability to inspire others. He has shown that student engagement is not just about programming—it’s about creating spaces where every student feels valued and connected.

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

  • Name, institution, and contact information of the applicant.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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:

  • Have demonstrated leadership experience and involvement in their campus community.
  • Understand the importance of the profession in advancing campus community.

Degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an ACUI member institution who are not full-time employees at the 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.

  • 2025: Abigail Farley, Northwestern University 
  • 2024: Sarah Khan, University of Houston
  • 2023: Maeve Connaughton, Virginia Commonwealth University 
  • 2021: Alejandro Jimenez, California State University–Northridge
  • 2019: Mohamad Karim, Portland Community College 
  • 2018: Melissa Iracheta, University of Houston 
  • 2017: Kien Truong, Portland Community College 
  • 2016: Jordan Tapp, Furman University 
  • 2015: Tarsha Moore, Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville 
  • 2014: Abreetta Goode, Texas State University 
  • 2012: Molly Peirano, The Ohio State University 
  • 2010: Cory Headley, University of Utah 
  • 2005: Dana Marcinek, Northeastern University 
  • 2003: Dirk Rodricks, University of Vermont 
  • 2002: Michele Shelton, Tufts University 
  • 2001: Jeremy Sonenschein, California State University–Northridge 
  • 2000: Mandy Chong, University of Oregon 
  • 1999: Raymond Juarez, California State University–Northridge 
  • 1998: Corbin Smyth, University of South Carolina–Columbia 
  • 1997: Adrian Rodriguez, Southern Oregon University 
  • 1996: Christina Mock, California State Polytechnic University–Pomona 

About C. Richard Scott

C. Richard Scott was the director of operations for the University Student Union at California State University–Northridge and also worked at Boston University, Northeastern University, and Indiana University. His leadership roles in ACUI included serving as Region 15 representative as a conference chair, conference host director for Region 15, and the chair of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Committee.