Region V Scholarships
Applications are now open for ACUI Scholarships, supporting student leaders and professionals in pursuing educational and developmental opportunities in the college union and student activities field.
Applications will be reviewed starting September 26, 2025, and accepted on a rolling basis as scholarship funds are awarded.
Region V Awards
Region V has established the following awards to recognize the outstanding work our members contribute to their home campuses, the Association, and the field. Recipients will be recognized annually at the regional conference.
Nomination Procedures
- The online nomination form must be completed by a current member from an institution within Region V.
- The required letters of recommendation/nomination (described below for each award) should be submitted in the online nomination form.
- Letters of recommendation should provide evidence through specific examples of how the nominee meets the qualifications for the award as described below.
- Please read the criteria closely and address them fully. The selection committee will use the information you provide to score the nominees on a rubric. The more specific you are, the better they will be able to score the nominees.
- Tips for Writing Nomination Letters for Professional Awards
- Additional materials may be submitted in the online nomination form as described, but are not required.
- These may include, but are not limited to: the nominee’s resume or other documentation of experience, activities, and academic standing (if applicable); letters of recommendation beyond the minimum required; and/or photos or other materials demonstrating the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
- After the nomination deadline, the selection committee will review the nomination materials and evaluate the submissions based on the criteria as described below.
- Recipients, nominees, and nominators will be notified via email of the outcome once the selection has been completed.
This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student at a member institution of Region V who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field. The recipient will have demonstrated significant contributions to their home campus and served as a role model for fellow peers and students, in addition to exemplifying the core values of the Association in their work and studies.
Criteria considered in selection:
- Eligibility as an undergraduate student, in good academic standing, at a member institution within Region V
- Exhibits a strong work ethic in their role in the student union and/or student activities
- Demonstrates significant contribution(s) to their home campus
- Serves as a role model for peers
- Exemplifies the ACUI Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation
Required nomination materials:
- Online nomination form
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor
Optional additional supporting materials:
- Resume or other documentation of experience, activities, and academic standing
- Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
- Photos or other materials demonstrating the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
- 2024: Emma Politoski, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- 2023: Sarah Zuern, University Of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- 2022: Amber Peterson, University of North Dakota
- 2021: Mariah Mihm, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- 2020: Carmen Seda, Marquette University
- 2019: Jessica Rosignol, UW-Whitewater
- 2018: Bisrat Bayou, University of St. Thomas
- 2017: Grzegorz Krzywicki, Northwestern University
- 2016: Justin Humphrey, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ania Holubecki, Northwestern University
- 2015: Alex McLean, Marquette University
This award is given to an outstanding graduate student at a member institution of Region V who has shown exemplary performance in the college union/student activities field and commendable service to ACUI. The recipient will have demonstrated a positive impact on the community served, a commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union by serving as a role model for fellow peers and students, and exemplifying the core values of the Association in their work and studies
Criteria considered in selection:
- Eligibility as a graduate or doctoral student, currently employed in the college union and/or student activities at a member institution within Region V
- Exhibits exemplary service in their role in the student union and/or student activities
- Makes commendable contributions to ACUI
- Demonstrates a positive impact on the community they serve
- Demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union
- Serves as a role model for peers and students
- Exemplifies the ACUI Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation
Required nomination materials:
- Online nomination form
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor
Optional additional supporting materials:
- Resume or other documentation of experience and activities, including service to ACUI
- Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
- Photos or other materials demonstrating the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
- 2024: Sydney Pantini, Iowa State University
- 2023: Ahja Howard, University Of Illinois–Springfield
- 2022: No recipient
- 2021: Haley Simpson, University of Illinois–Springfield
- 2020: Jasmin Valadez, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
- 2019: Cydney Coffey, Minnesota State University–Mankato
- 2018: No recipient
- 2017: No recipient
- 2016: Darien Abadie, Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
- 2015: Caitlin Cohn, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
This award is given to an outstanding new professional in college unions and/or student activities who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement. The nominated individual will have demonstrated a positive impact on the community served, and commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated support to Region V and/or the Association by their involvement at the local, regional, or international level.
Criteria considered in selection:
- Eligibility as a new professional, having served not less than two years and no more than five years in the field, and is currently employed in the college union and/or student activities at a member institution within Region V
- Serves as a model of employee service
- Demonstrates a positive impact on the community they serve
- Demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union
- Exemplifies the ACUI Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation
- Involvement with the Association at the local, regional, and/or international level
Required nomination materials:
- Online nomination form
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor
Optional additional supporting materials:
- Resume documenting past and present positions held in the college union and/or student activities field and service to ACUI
- Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
- Photos or other materials documenting the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
- 2024: Elise Grabowska, University of Minnesota Morris
- 2023: Nicole Proulx, University Of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- 2022: Brian Warzynski, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- 2021: Tyler Klaver, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- 2020: Ashley Hall, University of Illinois–Springfield
- 2019: Edi Kuhn, Marquette University
- 2018: Jackie Grinvalds, Northeastern Illinois University
- 2017: David Lemon, University of St.Thomas
- 2016: Anthony Faris, North Dakota State University
- 2015: Jacob Waldner, North Dakota State University
This award honors an individual employed by a member institution who has exemplified the mission, vision, and values of their home institution and ACUI. The recipient will have demonstrated one or more of the following qualities: a commitment to fostering environments that promote student learning and personal development; engaging in campus activities beyond their primary area; impacting others through excellence in service to the campus community; enhancing work-life quality in a significant way for colleagues and others; developing creative problem-solving solutions that enhance efficiency; consistently embodying their institution’s values; and showing dedication to the mission, vision, and values of ACUI. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated support to Region V and/or the Association by their involvement at the local, regional, or international level.
Criteria considered in selection:
- Eligibility as a current part-time or full-time employee within the college union and/or student activities at a member institution within Region V
- Demonstrates one or more of the following criteria:
- Creates campus environments that promote student learning and personal development
- Engages their campus beyond their direct area or department
- Impacts others through mentorship and guidance
- Enhances the quality of work life in ways that make a significant difference for colleagues or others
- Provides outstanding and ongoing excellence in service to faculty, staff, students, community, and/or other constituents
- Develops creative solutions to problems that result in significantly more effective and efficient department or university operations
- Consistently embodies one or more of their institution’s values
- Exemplifies the ACUI Mission, Vision, and Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation
- Involvement with the Association at the local, regional, and/or international level
Required nomination materials:
- Online nomination form
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the individuals’ current supervisor
Optional additional supporting materials:
- Resume documenting past and present positions held in the college union and/or student activities field and service to ACUI
- Letters of recommendation beyond the two required
- Photos or other materials documenting the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
- 2024: Simón Franco, University of Minnesota Morris
- 2023: Dornette Ashley, Northwestern University
- 2022: Marie Watson, University of Illinois Springfield
- 2021: Sara Suwalski, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- 2020: Sarah Meyer, University of Wisconsin–River Falls
- 2019: No recipient
- 2018: Brittany Williams, Northwestern University
- 2017: Kyle Burke, Northeastern Illinois University
- 2016: Jeni Eltink, University of Minnesota Duluth
- 2015: (2) Brent Freeman, University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Ashley Katz, Western Illinois University
This award is presented to an institution, group, or individual for executing an outstanding program, event, project, or activity that fosters the enhancement of the campus community. Examples of such initiatives include, but are not limited to: social media or marketing campaigns, building improvements, process/operational efficiencies, hosted events, recognition programs, staff training, or other new ideas that have been implemented in the college union. Student involvement, creativity, and success of the initiative are considered in selection of the award.
Criteria considered in selection:
- Eligibility as an institution, group, or individual that executed an outstanding program, event, project, or activity within the past academic year (or ongoing) at a member institution within Region V
- Student involvement
- Creativity
- Success of the initiative
Required nomination materials:
- Online nomination form
- One nomination letter
- Summary of the initiative including the title, a brief description, and intended/achieved outcomes
Optional additional supporting materials:
- Budget with funding sources identified
- Assessment or evaluations showing achievement of goals
- Photos, videos, marketing samples, etc. that directly demonstrate the impact and success of the initiative
Past Recipients
- 2024: No Recipient
- 2023: HEROES, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
- 2022: UIS CARES Program- University of Illinois Springfield
- 2021: William Tourville, Minnesota State University, Mankato
- 2020: #MorrisMission, University of Minnesota Morris
- 2016: Masters of Success Program, North Dakota State University
This award, the highest honor presented by ACUI Region V, recognizes a professional who has actively participated in the college union and student activities movement for at least 10 years and is currently active in the field. The recipient will have attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement both within the Association and on their campus(es). Candidates should be individuals of integrity, stature, and demonstrated ability, inspiring pride among students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Additionally, they must have a notable record of success on campus, within the Association, and in the community, showcasing impressive accomplishments in the college union and student activities movement.
Criteria considered in selection:
- Eligibility as a person who has served as a professional in the college union and/or student activities field for a minimum of 10 years and is currently active in the field at a member institution within Region V
- Attained prominence through their efforts to develop the college union and/or student activities profession through their work within the Association and on their home campus.
- Is a person of such integrity, stature, and demonstrated ability that the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of their college will take pride in and be inspired by this recognition
- Eminently successful on campus, in the Association, and in the community, with a record of accomplishment that is impressive to the college union and student activities movement.
- Exemplary service to ACUI at the local, regional, and/or international level
- Outstanding service to the nominee’s home campus(es)
- Embodies the Mission, Vision, and Values of their home institution
- Exemplifies the ACUI Mission, Vision, and Values of Community, Inclusion, Learning, and Innovation
Required nomination materials:
- Online nomination form
- Three letters of recommendation – two from professional colleagues and one from a student
- Resume or other documentation of past and present positions held in the college union and/or student activities field and service to ACUI
Optional additional supporting materials:
- Letters of recommendation beyond the three required
- Photos or other materials documenting the nominee’s impact and qualifications for the award
Past Recipients
- 2024: Missy Burgess, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- 2023: Jeni Eltink, University of Minnesota Duluth
- 2022: Kyle Burke, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
- 2021: Kelly Schaefer, Northwestern University
- 2020: Maggie Towle, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- 2019: No recipient
- 2018: David Israels-Swenson, University of Minnesota Morris
- 2017: Richard Thomas, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- 2016: No recipient
- 2015: Corbin Smyth, University of Minnesota Duluth