Investing in Our Profession Campaign Hits Goal During Annual Conference
Revealed during the 2023 ACUI Annual Conference in Boston, the Association’s Investing in Our Profession fundraising campaign, designated to support the Student Affairs & College Union Certification Program, was celebrated during the 2025 Annual Conference in New York City as the largest single fundraising campaign in the Association’s history. In fact, it was celebrated loudly, with noisemakers, party hats, and plenty of audience support.
Exceeding the original goal of $200,000 with the on-stage announcement that, to that date, $216,327.54 had been raised, the Investing in Our Profession campaign will ensure a future where members will have access to the financial support needed to participate in and complete the Student Affairs & College Union Certification Program.
“It’s a chance to pass on the gift that changed our lives,” said Micheal Coleman, dean of student support at Wake Technical Community College and ACUI past president, who supported the fundraising. “Let’s invest in the future with purpose, knowing that the difference we make today will echo in the lives of others for years to come.”
Contributions to the campaign supporting the Students Affairs & College Certification Program can continue to be made through December 31, 2025.
“I gave to ACUI because it has been a source of personal and professional development for me for over 20 years,” said Ohio State University Union and Student Activities Director Jeff Pelletier, who also previously served as ACUI president. “I hope that by contributing to the Education and Research Fund, I can ensure that opportunity will exist for the next generation of college union professionals.”
The Certified Student Affairs Educator (CSAEd™) certification is a voluntary credential to demonstrate ongoing learning, competencies, and knowledge in student affairs work, and in six specific functional areas, including college unions (CSAEd-CU™). It was developed collaboratively by student affairs associations, educators, and graduate faculty.
The College Unions Student Affairs Certification is designed exclusively for college unions specialists and campus community builders who are mid-level and above, as well as student affairs educators looking to transition into college unions specialist and senior-level roles.
“We all know that life happens, and there are times when we may not be able to give as much as we want or as we’ve said we would,” Coleman added. “But even in those moments, every little bit we give can build something incredible for someone’s future. By contributing, we’re not just helping individuals, we’re inspiring the next generation of leaders, just as someone once inspired us. We’re giving them the chance to build the same foundation of hope and possibility that helped us find our path.”
Besides announcing the campaign goal being achieved, the Education and Research Fund Team also reported additional fundraising successes this past year. The annual silent auction and additional fundraising activities raised $13,294; the Legacy Leader program program raised $18,290.01; and the Day of Giving from this past December that recognized the Association’s 110th birthday raised $15,515.
