Region VII Awards
ACUI Region VII celebrates members, events, and campus spaces from across the region every year at our regional conference. You can review all of the awards available and their prompts, eligibility and more information below.
Please read all prompts thoroughly while reviewing awards as they have changed this year! You can submit a letter of nomination, or a document responding to the prompts about your candidate directly in the form linked below.
Nominators should have worked directly with the nominee as either their direct supervisor, colleagues, a student leader or employee, or an ACUI volunteer. Nominators should have a working knowledge of the nominee’s experience and abilities. Self-nominations are accepted, however we ask for one additional letter of support from your direct supervisor, professional colleague (not student), or fellow ACUI volunteer who can speak to your work ethic, campus support and/or demonstration of the ACUI values in your work.
Nominations will be accepted until Friday, October 2 at 11:59 p.m. If you have any troubles with the form, or any questions about the process or an award itself, please message the Region VII Recognition Coordinator Jen Bideaux at jbideaux@syr.edu.
As the highest Region VII honor, this award is presented to an outstanding member of Region VII who has consistently performed above and beyond the call of duty in their role within ACUI and in their institution(s). The individual has attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities on a regional basis through their work. They exemplify the core values of ACUI of community, inclusion, learning, and innovation by demonstrating exceptional commitment and support of other colleagues and continually volunteering in regional activities, councils, and programs to help advance the mission of ACUI.
About Edgar A. Whiting
Edgar A. Whiting served as ACUI’s secretary-treasurer from 1941–1968, helping to make the Association what it is today. Whiting kept the Association books, answered inquiries about unions, wrote to prospective members, produced the annual conference proceedings, and filled publication orders, working from an office in his home during evenings and weekends. After 1963, Whiting ran the employment service that is now the ACUI Career Center. He also arranged and managed the Association’s AnnualConferences for 20 years, sometimes planning three years in advance. His devotion to excellence and unparalleled leadership service established a model of professionalism highly regarded in the college union field today.
When he retired from the field in 1971, he received an ACUI honorary membership at the annual conference “for his 40 years of devoted service to the union at Cornell, for his 27 years of incalculable contributions to this association, for the thrusts forward he has given to the union movement by working steadfastly at it with talent and wisdom, and for being the already honorable person and friend he is.”
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The nominee must be active in the field at the time of nomination, or have recently retired within the past 2–3 years, and have participated in the college union and student activities as a professional for a minimum of fifteen (15) years.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Each nomination for the Edgar A. Whiting Award requires two (2) letters of support from different nominators. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- How does this nominee exemplify and advance ACUI’s core values of community, inclusion, learning, and innovation through their work in higher education and their involvement in the organization?
- How does this nominee demonstrate an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues, students, and broader professional communities?
- How has this nominee demonstrated excellence in leadership and service throughout their career?
- Please provide specific examples of how this nominee has made a lasting impact, both within their institution and throughout Region VII and the college union profession.
- What qualities or achievements distinguish this nominee as deserving of this recognition?
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Dr. Clayton Kolb, West Chester University
- 2024: Dr. Julie Fleming, Montclair State University
- 2023: Filip Pongratz, Temple University
- 2022: Jennifer Keegin, Binghamton University
- 2018: Mary Edgington, Pennsylvania State University
- 2016: Dave Timmann, West Chester University
This award recognizes a dedicated college union or student activities professional who has made exceptional contributions to the profession and to Region VII. The recipient has demonstrated commitment to building community on their campus and within ACUI while serving as a trusted resource for students and colleagues alike. Through innovative ideas and creative problem-solving, the recipient has enhanced the student experience and made a lasting impact on their institution and the profession. Their leadership and support has advanced work-life quality and fostered meaningful connections.
About Christine A. Chergi
Christine A. Chergi was an active member with ACUI for 40 years, volunteering on the Conference Planning Team, Regional Leadership Team, and then serving as regional director. As business manager of Region VII, Christine’s leadership helped to implement practices not just for the region, but at a national level, where her input directly shaped the narratives with the annual budget plans and processes. She inspired, motivated and empowered hundreds of higher education professionals, and recruited just as many for ACUI.
Christine created a welcoming and honest environment in all of her commitments, pushing those around her to not only be better, but genuinely want better. On her campus, Christine Chergi was an unwavering pillar of strength for students and staff especially in times of stress or chaos.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The recipient of this award will have demonstrated long-term volunteer service to Region VII and the college union/student activities field with a minimum of five years relevant career experience in the college union/student activities field. The nominee must currently be involved in or recently retired from a member affiliated institution of ACUI and in Region VII.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Please submit a letter of support or word document directly responding to the prompts below. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- How does this nominee demonstrate an exceptional commitment and contribution to their campus, colleagues, and/or students?
- Through their work and volunteer experiences, how has this nominee enhanced the professional experience and/or supportive measures for students and their peers?
- Please provide examples of how this nominee has fostered a sense of belonging and community on their campus or throughout ACUI Region VII.
- Please describe how the nominee demonstrates innovation and/or creative problem-solving to strengthen their institution, the student experience and/or the ACUI community.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Melissa Ulmer, Rowan University
- 2024: Dr. Adriane Reilly, West Chester University
- 2022: Adam Burgman, SUNY – Downstate
- 2021: Chrissie Taylor, Rutgers University – Camden
- 2020: Dr. Julie Fleming, Montclair State University
- 2018: Kerry Spicer, University at Buffalo
- 2017: Bridget Yule, Syracuse University
- 2016: Meg O’Sullivan, SUNY – Downstate
- 2015: Neela Patel, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
This award honors a higher education professional whose leadership reflects a commitment to inclusion, education, and the advancement of campus communities. The recipient fosters meaningful dialogue across differences, creates opportunities for learning and growth, and builds equitable environments where every individual feels valued. Their impact extends beyond their campus, serving as a model for colleagues and the broader ACUI community.
About Joseph H. Benedict
A long-time ACUI member and volunteer, Benedict served as a regional director, chair for various committees, vice president for regional affairs, and on the Board of Trustees before becoming president in 1986. His career in higher education administration spans nearly 50 years, most recently serving as executive director of the student center at CUNY–Brooklyn College before his retirement in 2008. Benedict’s contributions to the college union and student activities field, as well as to the Association, were honored with the ACUI Butts-Whiting Award in 1994.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
In granting this award, an individual with five or more years of relevant career experience is honored whose service, activism, and participation in the region and Association demonstrates an inspirational commitment to the college unions and student activities movement in addition to the mission and values of ACUI.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Please submit a letter of support, or word document directly responding to the prompts below. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- What makes the nominee an effective leader within their campus and/or within the ACUI community?
- How does this nominee create and build upon learning opportunities for students and/or their colleagues?
- Please describe specific examples of how this nominee integrates equitable practices into their work and/or builds inclusive spaces for individuals to thrive.
- How does the nominee act as a model for their peers?
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Zac Lomas, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2024: Cassandra Lammers, The George Washington University
- 2023: Casey Coleman, Montclair State University
- 2022: Antonio Talamo, Montclair State University
- 2021: Kim Celano, Temple University
- 2020: Melissa Ulmer, Rowan University
- 2019: Kaitlyn Howarth, William Paterson University
- 2017: Toni Kampf, West Chester University
- 2016: Kristen Mruk, Genesee Community College
This award recognizes any program that fosters the enhancement of the campus community. The awarded program created connection through meaningful engagement and collaboration in an inclusive setting, demonstrating the values outlined in the Role of the College Union.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The program in consideration should have taken place within the past academic year at a Region VII institution.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Please submit a letter of support, or word document directly responding to the prompts below. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- Please provide a summary of the program, including formal title, location, attendance and description.
- What were the outcomes of this program? How were those outcomes achieved?
- How did this program contribute to building a sense of community?
- (Optional) Please attach any supporting documentation of the program that demonstrates its mission and outcomes, including photos, marketing samples, assessment data, or materials that supported the program.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: William Paterson University with Commons Community Builders: Celebrating 50 Years of Building Community in the Student Center!, William Patterson University
- 2024: Bumpin’ Boulevard, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2023: Nightmare on Clove Road, Montclair State University
- 2022: Commuter Life Appreciation Week, Montclair State University
- 2021: Red Hawk Night 2021, Montclair State University
- 2020: University System of Maryland United Virtual Benefit Concert
- 2019: Free Food @ Temple Group Chat, Temple University
- 2018: Lead the Pride: A Student Leadership Experience, Pennsylvania State University
- 2017: Camp TU, Temple University
- 2016: Building Inclusive Communities, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
This award is given to an outstanding graduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown exemplary performance in the college union/student activities field and/or commendable service to ACUI. The nominee demonstrates a positive impact on their campus through a commendable work ethic and significant contributions through employment, volunteering, programming, and/or other union-related activities.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The recipient of the award must currently be employed in the college union/student activities field at a Region VII college or university and pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. degree. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have actively contributed with Region VII and/or the Association.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Please submit a letter of support or word document directly responding to the prompts below. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- Please detail any significant contributions the nominee has made on their campus and/or the ACUI community.
- How does the student serve as a role model for their peers? What qualities or skills does the nominee possess that distinguishes them from others?
- Please choose one of the ACUI core values (community, inclusion, learning, and innovation) and detail how the nominee has exemplified excellence through that value within their work and volunteer involvement.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Salvatore Kallai, Montclair State University
- 2024: Ryan Breyta, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- 2023: Alexis Robinson, Rowan University
- 2022: Meghan Myers, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2020: Serafina Genise, Rowan University
- 2019: Kira Casas, Montclair State University
- 2017: Carly Samuels, Rowan University
- 2016: Brittany Shaw, West Chester University
This award is for an outstanding new professional who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement. The nominee has 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 actively contributed with Region VII and/or the Association.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The nominated individual will have served five years or less in the profession of college unions and/or student activities.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Please submit a letter of support, or word document directly responding to the prompts below. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- What makes this nominee stand out as a new professional?
- How has this nominee demonstrated a positive impact on their campus? What about the ACUI community?
- Please choose one of the ACUI core values (community, inclusion, learning, and innovation) and detail how the nominee has exemplified excellence through that value within their work and volunteer involvement.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Emily Inserra, Montclair State University
- 2024: Serafina Genise, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- 2023: Ryan Gillen, Rutgers University
- 2022: Marla Ernest, SUNY Geneseo
- 2021: Andrea Giachino, Temple University
- 2020: Denee Jenkins, SUNY Old Westbury
- 2019: Casey Coleman, Montclair State University
- 2018: Olivia Lynch, University of Pittsburgh
- 2017: Heather Maclin, University of Rochester
- 2016: Alexandra Beynon, Temple University
This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field. The nominee is a student leader, employee, volunteer, or similar that has made significant contributions to their campus and/or the ACUI community. The student has gone above and beyond in their position, which will leave a lasting impact at the institution or in the community.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The nominated individual must be an undergraduate student of a member institution of Region VII who is a student leader, employee, volunteer, or similar working directly within the college union and/or student activities fields. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have actively contributed with Region VII and/or the Association.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Please submit a letter of support or word document directly responding to the prompts below. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- How does the nominee go above and beyond in their work, volunteer service, and/or studies?
- What significant contributions has the nominee made on their campus and/or the ACUI community?
- Please choose one of the ACUI core values (community, inclusion, learning, and innovation) and detail how the nominee has exemplified excellence through that value within their work and volunteer involvement.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Luannee Hernandez, Ramapo College
- 2024: Angela Castro, Montclair State University; Midas Leung, Binghamton University
- 2023: Maddison Chin, Montclair State University
- 2022: Cam Wade, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2021: Shaelyn McCarthy, The George Washington University
- 2020: John Magala IV, Temple University
- 2019: Octavia Minter, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2017: Maiya Robinson, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2016: Megan Henry, Temple University
This award recognizes a planned, implemented and evaluated space within a Region VII college union that embodies ACUI’s Role of the College Union statement. The nominated space strives to “advance a sense of community, unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests.” This space “bolsters the educational mission of the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners”.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The space needs to have been created, built or repurposed within an ACUI Region VII member institution within the past three years.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
The online award form should contain information on the following details:
- Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
- Please submit a letter of support or word document directly responding to the prompts below. Additional letters of support may be added at the end of the form or through email to jbideaux@syr.edu.
- Please describe the space and detail the planning and design process for the space (renovation, repurpose, re-build, etc.), including any input from students and partner collaboration.
- How does this space advance a sense of belonging and community within the college union? How does it connect the community, the campus, and the environment in which it sits?
- Please upload a photo (or photos in a single PDF file) of the space. If you have trouble uploading the files, please email them to Jen Bideaux at jbideaux@syr.edu.
SELECTION
A team of short-term volunteers lead by Region VII’s recognition coordinator will review all submissions. Recipients will be notified prior to the Regional Conference. A physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Regional Conference and in subsequent publications.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Basic Needs Center, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2024: Community Kitchen, University of Rochester
- 2022: Manhattan College Multicultural Center
In honor of Dr. Drummond’s passion, commitment and advocacy for multicultural education, this award is presented to an institution, group, or individual for executing an outstanding program, event or activity that took place within the past academic year that demonstrates an understanding of diversity and inclusiveness. The program in consideration should emphasize promotion of cross-cultural communication and acceptance, in addition to advocating for the inclusion of everyone in campus communities.
This award was retired in 2026 due to lack of nominations in the previous years. If you have a program that would have qualified for this award, please submit a nomination to the Outstanding Community Building Program Award.
CRITERIA & Eligibility
The program in consideration should have taken place within the past academic year and emphasize promotion of cross-cultural communication and acceptance, in addition to advocating for the inclusion of everyone in campus communities.
Past Recipients
- 2022: Men of Color Summit, Binghamton University
- 2021: Social Justice & Action Series, SUNY College at Old Westbury
- 2020: Rutgers University Programming Association for RUPA Presents: Express Yourself Series, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 2017: Diversity Zone Training, University at Buffalo, Intercultural and Diversity Center
- 2016: Language Matters, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Region VII Scholarships
Region VII offers scholarships that help advance professionals and students through participation in educational events. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please see below for applicable programs and deadlines. Please email Region VII Recognition Coordinator Jen Bideaux at jbideaux@syr.edu with any questions.
Every year, Region VII allows any interested members, whether an undergraduate or graduate student or professional in the field, to apply for scholarship funding to cover up to $500 of registration, lodging, or transportation fees of any ACUI-affiliated program. Programs may include the Women’s Leadership Institute, I-LEAD®, IPDS, Student Organizations Institute, Annual Conference, or a Regional Conference. Applicants are required to submit an essay explaining their desire for the scholarship, which program they would like to attend and why, and a plan for development through attendance at the selected ACUI-affiliated program. If a student, proof of good academic standing is required in addition to a letter of support from their host institution and one letter of recommendation.
Deadlines
- To be considered for a scholarship to attend an ACUI program, please submit your application no later than two weeks prior to the registration deadline for said program.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION
Nominations must include:
- Essay explaining the program you would like to attend and why, and a plan for development through attendance at the selected ACUI-affiliated program
- Proof of academic good standing (if a student)
- One letter of recommendation
- Financial breakdown of registration, lodging, or transportation fees in which you are requesting scholarship funds for
- Acknowledgment that fees exceeding the $500 covered by Region VII are at cost to the host institution or individual
- Acknowledgment that transportation/lodging fees will be paid out by scholarship recipient and then reimbursed by Region VII pending verification of receipts