Region I Awards

The application deadline for the awards has passed and will reopen in advance of the 2024 Regional Conference.

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.
Past Recipients
  • 2014: Jessica Rodriguez, California State University–Dominguez Hills
  • 2015: Stephanie Jerome, University of La Verne
  • 2016: Edwin Avelar, California State University–Dominguez Hills
  • 2018: Tori Lawler, California State University–Northridge
  • 2022: Alejandro Herrera, California State University–Dominguez Hills

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.
Past Recipients
  • 2014: Rob Buncombe, University of Nevada–Las Vegas
  • 2016: Giselle Atallah, California State University–Dominguez Hills
  • 2018: Brittany Lump, Arizona State University
  • 2020: Dennis Ramos, Arizona State University

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 2022–23 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.
Past Recipients
  • 2014: Raymond “Chip” West, University of La Verne
  • 2016: Lynn Cacha
  • 2018: Joanna Iwata, California State University–Monterey Bay

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 2022–23 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
Past Recipients
  • 2015: Mollique Johnson, San Diego State University
  • 2016: Dominica Ranieri, Alliant International University
  • 2018: Kristopher Disharoon, California State University – East Bay
  • 2020: Dr. Freddie Sanchez, California State University – Northridge

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.

Past Recipients
  • 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
  • 2015: Raymond “Chip” West, Riverside City College
  • 2018: Kathy McIntosh
  • 2022: Cecilia Ortiz, California State University–Dominguez Hills
Region 15 Debra L. Hammond Outstanding New Professional Staff Award
  • 2001: Kathy McIntosh
  • 2002: Ericka Nunez-Paddock
  • 2003: Pamela Baldger
  • 2008: Kevin Lizarraga
  • 2009: Jason Cruz
  • 2010: Tiffany Dreyer
  • 2011: Christine Thompson
  • 2012: Jim Brooks
Region 15 Don & Noel Hinde Distinguished Service Award
  • 1999: Noel Hinde
  • 2000: Debra L. Hammond
  • 2000: Neil Gerard
  • 2001: Jim Caruthers
  • 2002: Ron Barrett
  • 2003: Matt Cameron
  • 2004: Harvey McKee
  • 2005: Helga Kray
  • 2006: Jan Javinar
  • 2007: Kim Clark
  • 2008: Ellen Kusano
  • 2009: Partrick Bailey
  • 2010: Chuck Price
  • 2011: Jennifer Puccinelli
  • 2012: Leslie Davis
Region 15 Diane Morisato Staff Recognition Award
  • 1992: Diane Morisato
  • 1993: Dick Scott
  • 1994: Meg Sutton    
  • 1995: Matt Cameron
  • 1996: Jan Javinar
  • 1997: Susan Payment
  • 1998: Patrick Bailey
  • 1999: Carol Burke
  • 2000: Jerry Mann
  • 2001: Dan Cornthwaite
  • 2002: Mark Day
  • 2003: Jeffrey Hoffman
  • 2004: Jennifer Puccinelli
  • 2005: Matthew Ducatt, Ph.D.
  • 2006: Raymond “Chip” West
  • 2007: Cecilia Ortiz
  • 2008: Kristie Godfrey
  • 2009: Kathy McIntosh
  • 2010: Jeremy Hamlett
  • 2011: Keya Allen
  • 2012: Bill Olmstead

Region I Scholarships

Region I is not currently accepting applications for scholarships.

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. 

Past Recipients
  • 2014: Marissa Castaneda, University of La Verne
  • 2014: Jacob Ioane, University of Arizona
  • 2015: Randy Palacios, California State University–Los Angeles
  • 2015: Gerardo Zamora Barajas, San Diego State University
  • 2016: Linda Doo
  • 2016: Bryant Garcia, California State University–Northridge

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.

Past Recipients
  • 2014: Brandon Duarte, California State University–Fullerton
  • 2015: Daniela Lavezzo, California State University–San Marcos
  • 2016: Geovany Paiz, California State University–Dominguez Hills
  • 2020: Elias Gallegos, California State University–Northridge
Past Recipients
  • 2014: Geoff Bingaman, University of California–Berkeley
  • 2015: Mollique Johnson, San Diego State University
  • 2016: Liza Bennett, San Diego State University
Past Recipients
  • 2014: Shanna Kinzel, University of Nevada–Las Vegas
  • 2015: Paola Arroyo
  • 2016: Lynn Gold, University of Nevada–Las Vegas
  • 2012 Region 15 Bob Alexander Memorial Scholarship: Hilda Nieblas
  • 2012 Region 15 Carol Burke Memorial Scholarship: Madison Grater
  • 2012 Region 15 Dick Scott Student Development Scholarship: Jennifer Wheeler