Region V Awards

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 nominated individual will have demonstrated significant contributions to their home campus and serve as a role model for fellow peers and students in addition to exemplifying the core values of the Association in their work and studies. Nomination materials must include online nomination form, two letters of recommendation (one must be from a current supervisor), proof of good academic standing, and other supporting documents (if applicable).  

Undergraduate Student of the Year Award Recent Recipients

• 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 

   
   

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 of the award must currently be employed in the college union/student activities field at a Region V college or university and pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. degree. The individual will have demonstrated a positive impact on the community served and commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union by serving as a role model for fellow peers and students and exemplify the core values of the Association in their work and studies. Nomination materials must include online nomination form, two letters of recommendation (one must be from a current supervisor), proof of good academic standing, and other supporting documents (if applicable).

Graduate Student of the Year Award Recent Recipients

• 2021: Haley Simpson, University of Illinois Springfield
• 2020: Jasmin Valadez, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• 2019: Cydney Coffey, Minnesota State University - Mankato
• 2016: Darien Abadie, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville 

This award is given to an outstanding new professional, having served not less than two years and no more than five years in the profession of college unions and/or student activities and who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement. The nominated individual will have demonstrated 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 in Educational Council, the Leadership Team, hosting regional events or tournaments, or similar. Nomination materials must include online nomination form, two letters of recommendation (one must be from a current supervisor), and other supporting documents (if applicable).

“Rising Star” Award for New Professionals Recent Recipients

• 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  

This award honors an individual employed by a member institution who has exemplified the mission, vision, and values of their home institution and ACUI. Any individual employed part-time or full-time by an ACUI member institution within support of the college union is eligible for the award. 

Nominations should address how the candidates meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Creating campus environments that promote student learning and personal development.
• Being involved on their campus beyond their direct area or department. 
• Impacted others through mentorship and guidance
• Enhancing the quality of work life in ways that make a significant difference for colleagues or customers. 
• Providing outstanding and ongoing excellence in service to faculty, staff, students, community, and/or other customers. 
• Developing creative solutions to problems that result in significantly more effective and efficient department or university operations. 
• Consistently demonstrating one or more of their institution’s values. 
• Exhibiting dedication to the ideals of ACUI.   

Additional consideration will be given for those who are involved at the college, regional or international levels of ACUI.    

Nomination materials must include online nomination form, two letters of recommendation (one must be from a current supervisor), and other supporting documents (if applicable).

“Inspiring Vision” Award for Mid-Level Student Affairs Professionals Recent Recipients

• 2021: Sara Suwalski, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
• 2020: Sarah Meyer, University of Wisconsin–River Falls
• 2018: Brittany Williams, Northwestern University 
• 2017: Kyle Burke, Northeastern Illinois University
• 2016: Jeni Eltink, University of Minnesota Duluth 

This award has been established as the highest honor presented by ACUI Region V. The recipient must be a person who has participated in the college union and student activities movement as a professional for a minimum of 10 years and who is active in the field at the time of nomination. The nominee must have attained prominence through their efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement through his or her work within the Association and on campus. Candidates must be: 

• 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. 
• A person 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.   

Nomination packet should include: 

• Name, title, and contact information for the person being nominated for the award 
• Completed online nomination form 
• Supporting evidence of their fulfillment of all eligibility requirements and award criteria (this could include a resume of nominee outlining involvement in ACUI and their contributions to ACUI and their college)
•  Two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues and one letter of recommendation from a student that would support the nomination of the person for the award, including present and past positions held in the college union and student activities field, service to ACUI (local, regional, and international), service to the nominee's own campus(es), service to other professional organizations (if applicable), community activity, and other qualifications or comments.

Susan Maul Distinguished Service Award Recent Recipients

• 2021: Kelly Schaefer, Northwestern University
• 2020: Maggie Towle, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
• 2018: David Isaels-Swanson, University of Minnesota, Morris
• 2017: Richard Thomas, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  
   

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. Here are some examples but not limited to: social media or marketing campaigns, building improvements, process/operational efficiencies, hosted events, recognition programs, staff training, or new ideas that have been implemented in your student union.

The selection of the award is based on several factors, including student involvement, creativity, and the success of the initiative. Nomination materials must include online nomination form as well as a summary of the program, addressing title and description of the initiative (including intended outcomes). Other supporting documents that may be submitted include: budget and identified funding sources; evidence of achievement of goals through evaluations; supporting documentation including, but not limited to photos, videos, marketing samples, etc. that directly support the initiative.


“Igniting Innovation” Award for College Union Programming Recent Recipients

• 2021: William Tourville, Minnesota State Mankato
• 2020: #MorrisMission, University of Minnesota–Morris
• 2016: Masters of Success Program, North Dakota State University