Education and Research Fund
Show pride in the profession and support campus community builders to continue to receive professional development and access valuable membership resources into our future.
2021 Conference Fundraising Activities
Get ready for a week of exciting opportunities to support the Education and Research Fund through the 2021 Virtual Conference, March 3–5. All funds raised will support the Financial Assistance Fund, which has now raised over $50,000 and awarded 22 grants to allow professionals and students to continue their membership, access educational resources, and participate in professional development programs.
Whether you are a long-standing member of the community of craft beer enthusiasts, or someone looking to expand their appreciation of one of the world’s oldest beverages, join us for an evening of history, tasting, and enjoyment of beer. Led by Pat Woodward and Mark Richards, two of Columbus, Ohio’s foremost authorities on the local and global beer industry, and moderated by ACUI Past President and Education and Research Fund committee member Jeff Pelletier, you will have the opportunity to learn about and sample four beer styles—Pilsner Urquell, Bonspiel Porter, Saison DuPont, and IPA—and hopefully walk away with some insight to inform your future purchases. Attendees will be encouraged to purchase select styles prior to the happy hour event. Come prepared with questions, and to enjoy a pint with your fellow ACUI members!
A $20 preregistration is required for this event is required; all funds raised support the Financial Assistance Fund. Registrants will receive login instructions via email prior to the event.
From the Sommeliers of ACUI, join us as we raise our glasses (and funds) for ACUI while introducing you to some amazing wine, bubbly and knowledge! Led by Sharon Silverstein and Patrick Bailey, who love wine and ACUI equally, explore four “together tastings” and toast a night filled with fun and friends. Join us as we swirl, smell, sip and savor each of these wines together. Learn about tasting, different stemware, wine trails, membership clubs and the all-important celebratory toasts! Each person attending will be encouraged to purchase some or all of the following prior to the tasting: a Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Noir, a Rose, and a champagne/sparkling wine. Come for the conversation and raise a glass for ACUI!
A $20 preregistration is required for this event is required; all funds raised support the Financial Assistance Fund. Registrants will receive login instructions via email prior to the event.
Join colleagues from across ACUI for an interactive evening of virtual trivia. Engage in multiple rounds of game play spanning a variety of topics and earn the chance to win prizes throughout the night. Participants will be encouraged to connect on Zoom to enjoy the company of other attendees, while using an online trivia platform to put your knowledge to the test.
A $20 preregistration is required for this event is required; all funds raised support the Financial Assistance Fund. Registrants will receive login instructions via email prior to the event.
During the week of the 2021 Virtual Conference, keep the energy up by engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity of your choosing. Running! Biking! Yoga! Pilates! Free weights! The possibilities are endless, and you have the flexibility to complete your activity whenever fits into your schedule during the week. Raising funds to support the Financial Assistance Fund, participants will be encouraged to wear their ACUI gear or purple while being active and sharing a photo on social media to connect with others during the week.
A $20 preregistration is required for this event is required; all funds raised support the Financial Assistance Fund.
Bid high, and bid often! The annual silent auction will occur throughout the week of the 2021 Virtual Conference—taking place March 3–5. With items including gift cards, baskets, snacks, and virtual experiences, any one will be able to explore items through the online auction platform and place their bids. More details will be available closer to the event.
If you are interested in donating an item to the auction, please complete this form.
All funds raised support the Financial Assistance Fund.
Help Sustain Campus Community
ACUI announced any gifts made through 2021 will go to the new Financial Assistance Fund,
supporting students and professionals affected by the pandemic and helping to sustain campus community for the next 100 years.
Given the financial pressures higher education is facing, we are committed to ensuring campus community builders can continue
to receive professional development and network with leaders to advance student success.
Link your personal and/or department Amazon accounts to ACUI through AmazonSmile—online and through the mobile app—and a portion of all of your purchases will benefit the Association.
Eddie Seavers,
Ramapo College
"With an indication that there would be no funds for professional development at Ramapo College, we knew that the dues for ACUI would be out of reach for us—until ACUI announced the Financial Assistance Fund. Since applying and receiving funds to cover most of our yearly dues, we have benefitted from the daily community emails, multiple webinars, and ACUI together. We have student and staff interest in the regional conference and were thrilled to discover how affordable the Annual Conference would be this year and how many of our colleagues would be able to benefit. In a year of challenges, the ACUI Financial Assistance Fund helped solve one in a big way."
Amy Livchak,
Ohio State University–Lima
"My ACUI journey started with the 2019 Annual Conference. Within the year of attending the conference, I displayed confidence and developed new programming initiatives noticed by others. When 2020 rolled around, sadly, the administration halted spending on our campus. I quickly submitted my request for assistance and received funds to continue membership. I feel ACUI members and staff give that extra touch to make new members feel welcomed and encouraged to make connections. As an office of one who wears many hats and is underfunded, this membership is not something that I take for granted. I cannot imagine navigating 2020 without ACUI."
Lincoln Johnson,
University of Washington
"I can so vividly remember my first ACUI regional and annual conferences like they were yesterday. What always stands out are the people who welcomed, embraced, encouraged, and challenged me. ACUI made me a better volunteer, manager, and leader. I contribute monthly to ACUI because I believe in its mission to foster this zany, beautiful profession of ours. The Education and Research Fund helps support and lift up student leaders and staff members through financial assistance, awards, programs, and scholarships— helping those who just might be seeking the same kind of mentorship, education, and connection that I was lucky to gain those many years ago."
Impact of Gifts
Given the financial pressures higher education is facing as a result of the pandemic, ACUI is committed to ensuring donations in 2020 enable campus community builders to receive professional development and access needed resources.
Education
Financial support from the variety of scholarships available to attend ACUI programs helps another generation of leaders further their learning and commitment to the profession.
Research
Little
research exists about college unions, and we want to change that. The
Education and Research Fund has helped finance research on student
learning through the built environment, involvement, and campus
employment. This is done through offerings such as the Research and Education Grant and the Daniel M. Maxwell Dissertation of the Year Award.
Giving Opportunities
Make a Gift
Reoccurring or one-time gifts can be made in any amount via check or credit card to help advance campus community any time of year. Every dollar counts!
Knot Club
I-LEAD® alumni are encouraged to donate in honor of the year attended to support the Meg Sutton I-LEAD® Scholarship, allowing future generations of student leaders to experience this life-changing program.
Conference Events
Engage supporters through the FUNd
Run/Walk/Roll, bid on auction items during the Annual Conference, or participate in a signature event at the Annual Conference.
Matching Gifts
Employer matching programs can double or triple your gift. If your or your spouse/partner’s company has a matching program, email Fundraising Manager Justin Rudisille to learn how to best navigate options.
Named Giving
Continue the legacy of a deserving individual by making a gift in their honor or giving to a named award endowment. For information about naming opportunities, please contact ACUI CEO John Taylor.
Estate Giving
Plan your philanthropic legacy through a bequest or list the Education and Research Fund as a retirement or insurance beneficiary. Learn more by contacting ACUI Director of Finance and Administration Dave Teske.