Region I Awards
Region I offers awards that recognize the achievements of staff, students, and institutional programs. Nominate yourself or someone today! Applications are now closed.
The Matt Cameron Outstanding Student Award recognizes an outstanding student leader at a member institution who has served both Region I and their individual campus community. This award is Region I’s highest student honor.
Nomination Information
The following is required for nomination:
- A nomination letter that includes:
- What makes this person a worthy candidate for this specific award?
- Any ACUI involvement, campus activities, and additional information which may support the nomination.
- Optional supporting information should include:
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has worked with this individual in any capacity.
The Debra L. Hammond Outstanding New Professional Staff Award is given to a staff member who has served as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement in the college unions/student activities field, and who has completed no more than five years in their professional career.
Nomination Information
The following is required for nomination:
- A nomination letter that includes:
- What makes this person a worthy candidate for this specific award?
- Any ACUI involvement, campus activities, and additional information which may support the nomination.
- Optional supporting information should include:
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has worked with this individual in any capacity.
This brand new award recognizes any campus program that fosters the enhancement of the campus community, has a meaningful impact on student learning, and demonstrates the achievements of students and staff. Eligible campus programs must:
- Have been created and implemented by students (who may be advised by staff)
- Have occurred on the campus of a Region I member institution
- Have taken place during the 2024–25 academic year
Nomination Information
The following is required for nomination:
- A nomination letter that includes:
- Name of student member(s) responsible for planning the event
- A summary of the program, including program title and description
- Intended goals/learning outcomes
- Evidence of achievement of those goals
- Additional supporting information should include (optional):
- Any documentation such as photos, video, or marketing samples
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has first-hand knowledge of this program
- Additional materials should be condensed into a single file for upload purposes
This award was first created in 1999 to honor long-time ACUI leader Don Hinde and his wife, Noel. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes and thanks a student union or student activities professional at a member institution who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the profession on their campus and within Region I.
Nomination Information
The following is required for nomination:
- A nomination letter that includes:
- What makes this person a worthy candidate for this specific award?
- Any ACUI involvement, campus activities, and additional information which may support the nomination.
- Optional supporting information should include:
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has worked with this individual in any capacity.
This brand new award recognizes any campus program that fosters the enhancement of the campus community, has a meaningful impact on student learning, and demonstrates the achievements of students and staff. Eligible campus programs must:
- Have been created and implemented by professional staff
- Have occurred on the campus of a Region I member institution
- Have taken place during the 2024–25 academic year
Nomination Information
The following is required for nomination:
- A nomination letter that includes:
- Name of staff member(s) responsible for planning the event
- A summary of the program, including program title and description
- Intended goals/learning outcomes
- Evidence of achievement of those goals
- Additional supporting information should include (optional):
- Any documentation such as photos, video, or marketing samples
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has first-hand knowledge of this program
- Additional materials should be condensed into a single file for upload purposes
The Region I ICONS are a society of active and engaged professionals within ACUI and Region I who guide, mentor, and support the region through participation and engagement in ACUI programs. The goal of this new ICON society is not only to recognize outstanding past leaders within the organization, but to facilitate further opportunities for their continued involvement in the Region, helping to shepherd and guide current and future Region I leaders.
Region I Scholarships
Nominations are currently not being accepted.
The Institute for Leadership Education and Development (I-LEAD®) is ACUI’s premier student program, designed to emphasize the key concept areas of leadership, community development, and change. I-LEAD® offers an opportunity for the college students to focus on personal growth and other issues facing our world. The institute prepares students to develop skills that will serve them as leaders in any situation, regardless of role, organization, or environment.
IPDS: New Professionals Orientation has been refined over its more than 40-year existence. The program offers participants an opportunity to share information, exchange materials, learn new techniques and theories, discuss opportunities and threats, and network with colleagues in a challenging and supportive environment. Anyone who is new to the college union and student activities profession should attend regardless of title. Because the program format facilitates a small-group feel, the bonds formed with colleagues can last a lifetime.
Region I Honors Hall of Fame
Past Recipients
- 2025: Jacqueline Fajardo, California State University–Los Angeles
- 2024: Emily Gomez, University of California – Los Angeles
- 2023: Mikaela Eaton, University of Hawaii – West Oahu
- 2022: Alejandro Herrera, California State University – Dominguez Hills
- 2019: Kole Wellenstein, San Diego State University
- 2018: Tori Lawler, California State University – Northridge
- 2016: Edwin Avelar, California State University – Dominguez Hills
- 2015: Stephanie Jerome, University of La Verne
- 2014: Jessica Rodriguez, California State University – Dominguez Hills
Past Recipients
- 2025: Anahi Bauman, California State University–Stanislaus
- 2024: Johnathan Wisner, University of California – Los Angeles
- 2020: Dennis Ramos, Arizona State University
- 2019: Perosaiye Akinbohun, California State University – Northridge
- 2018: Brittany Lump, Arizona State University
- 2016: Giselle Atallah, California State University – Dominguez Hills
- 2014: Rob Buncombe, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
Past Recipients
- 2025: Kim Celaya, University of Arizona
- 2023: Patrick H. Bailey, California State University – Northridge
- 2023: Debra L. Hammond, California State University – Northridge
- 2018: Joanna Iwata, California State University – Monterey Bay
- 2016: Lynn Cacha
- 2014: Raymond “Chip” West, University of La Verne
Past Recipients
- 2025: Samantha Liu, California State University–Northridge
- 2024: Timothy J. Banks, California State University – San Jose
- 2024: Milton Karahadian, Point Loma Nazarene
- 2023: Jenny Puccinelli, California State University – San Bernardino
- 2022: Cecilia Ortiz, California State University – Dominguez Hills
- 2018: Kathy McIntosh
- 2015: Raymond “Chip” West, Riverside City College
- 2014: Debra L. Hammond, California State University – Northridge
- 2014: Chuck Price, University of Nevada – Reno
- 2014: Ellen Kusano, University of Hawaii – Hilo
- 2014: Jan Javinar, University of Hawaii – West Oahu
- 2014: Patrick Bailey, California State University – Northridge
- 2014: Leslie Davis
- 2014: Helga Kray
- 2014: LeNorman Strong
- 2014: Matt Cameron, Santa Clara University
- 2014: Neil Gerard
- 2014: Kim Clark
- 2014: Mark Day
Past Recipients
- 2025: Rooftop Garden, Christine Carlson, University of Arizona
- 2024: LEAD Series Fall 2023, Jaqueline Fajardo & Andrea Dominguez, California State University – Los Angeles
Past Recipients
- 2025: Golden Eagles Grow, Christopher Balam, California State University–Los Angeles
- 2024: Art in the Union, Mary Romo, University of California – Los Angeles
- 2020: Dr. Freddie Sanchez, California State University – Northridge
- 2018: Kristopher Disharoon, California State University – East Bay
- 2016: Dominica Ranieri, Alliant International University
- 2015: Mollique Johnson, San Diego State University
Past Recipients
- 2025: Sonny Ciampa, CSU Long Beach
- 2025: Mikayla Flores, CSU Dominguez Hills
- 2018: Tori Lawler, CSU Northridge
- 2018: Yohanan Coronado-Contreras, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
- 2016: Linda Doo
- 2016: Bryant Garcia, California State University – Northridge
- 2015: Randy Palacios, California State University – Los Angeles
- 2015: Gerardo Zamora Barajas, San Diego State University
- 2014: Marissa Castaneda, University of La Verne
- 2014: Jacob Ioane, University of Arizona
Past Recipients
- 2025: Joshua M. Fleisher, CSU Northridge
- 2023: Erick Rebolledo, California State University – Northridge
- 2020: Elias Gallegos, California State University – Northridge
- 2017: Jordan Hill, San Diego State University
- 2017: Matthew Sauceda, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
- 2016: Geovany Paiz, California State University – Dominguez Hills
- 2015: Daniela Lavezzo, California State University – San Marcos
- 2014: Brandon Duarte, California State University – Fullerton
Past Recipients
- 2016: Liza Bennett, San Diego State University
- 2015: Mollique Johnson, San Diego State University
- 2014: Geoff Bingaman, University of California – Berkeley
Past Recipients
- 2016: Lynn Gold, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
- 2015: Paola Arroyo
- 2014: Shanna Kinzel, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
Region 15 Historical Honors
Past Recipients
- 2012: Jim Brooks
- 2011: Christine Thompson
- 2010: Tiffany Dreyer
- 2009: Jason Cruz
- 2008: Kevin Lizarraga
- 2003: Pamela Baldger
- 2002: Ericka Nunez-Paddock
- 2001: Kathy McIntosh
Past Recipients
- 2012: Leslie Davis
- 2011: Jennifer Puccinelli
- 2010: Chuck Price
- 2009: Partrick Bailey
- 2008: Ellen Kusano
- 2007: Kim Clark
- 2006: Jan Javinar
- 2005: Helga Kray
- 2004: Harvey McKee
- 2003: Matt Cameron
- 2002: Ron Barrett
- 2001: Jim Caruthers
- 2000: Neil Gerard
- 2000: Debra L. Hammond
- 1999: Noel Hinde
Past Recipients
- 2012: Bill Olmstead
- 2011: Keya Allen
- 2010: Jeremy Hamlett
- 2009: Kathy McIntosh
- 2008: Kristie Godfrey
- 2007: Cecilia Ortiz
- 2006: Raymond “Chip” West
- 2005: Matthew Ducatt, Ph.D.
- 2004: Jennifer Puccinelli
- 2003: Jeffrey Hoffman
- 2002: Mark Day
- 2001: Dan Cornthwaite
- 2000: Jerry Mann
- 1999: Carol Burke
- 1998: Patrick Bailey
- 1997: Susan Payment
- 1996: Jan Javinar
- 1995: Matt Cameron
- 1994: Meg Sutton
- 1993: Dick Scott
- 1992: Diane Morisato
Past Recipients
- 2012: Hilda Nieblas
Past Recipients
- 2012: Madison Grater
Past Recipients
- 2012: Jennifer Wheeler