This award acknowledges a professional at a two-year institution who exemplifies excellence in the enhancement of the college union ideal and is recognized by peers as a leader and person of integrity.

2023 Recipient: Amanda Doperalski,
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh  

Amanda Doperalski serves as the primary professional staff member coordinating all student involvement activities. She has been instrumental in the development of a new space called “The Intersection,” an open and welcoming space where programs and ideas can “intersect.” The result has been cross promoting student support initiatives and creating a sense of belonging on campus. In addition, Doperalski works with international students at the Leadership Institute and serves as the Campus Activities Board advisor.

ACUI is now accepting nominations for distinguished awards! Nominate by December 29!

Nominate Now

Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the nominee.
  2. Name, institution, and contact information of the nominator.
  3. Two to three letters in support of the applicant to receive the award written by individuals such as direct supervisors/advisors, peers/colleagues, students, faculty members, etc., addressing:
    • The achievements of the nominee in the profession.
    • The demonstrated commitment of the nominee to the criteria identified for this specific award.
    • A summary of the nominee’s background to provide evidence that they meet the criteria identified for this specific award, including information related to professional experience and volunteer service—providing a current resume or curriculum vitae for the nominee is optional.

The submission deadline is December 29.

nominate now

Note: The submission process is updated this year through our new membership platform—which means applications can autofill with your profile information, be saved as pending for edits until you officially submit, and be stored for your future access. In order to submit an application, you will need to create an account login, if you don’t already have one.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. The nominee must:

  • Demonstrate exceptional achievement in the profession at a two-year college.
  • Be involved in two-year college issues and be held in esteem by colleagues through this involvement.
  • Demonstrate commitment to ACUI through volunteer service.
  • Understand the importance of the profession in advancing campus community.

Professionals employed at a two-year college that is an ACUI member institution are eligible for this award.

Electronic notification will be sent to confirm award submissions have been received. A confidential Individuals Awards and Scholarships Committee, appointed annually by the ACUI president, will review materials to make the selection. One recipient will be chosen, unless otherwise noted for the specific award. One physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual conference and in subsequent publications.

  • 2022: Emily Brooke, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh–Fond du Lac
  • 2021: Not awarded
  • 2020: Don Phelps – County College of Morris
  • 2018: Michelle Brown – Snow College
  • 2017: Kristen Mruk – Genesee Community College
  • 2016: Joshua Peters-McBride – Portland Community College–Southeast
  • 2015: Mike Coleman – Tallahassee Community College
  • 2011: Sharon Silverstein – Suffolk County Community College
  • 2009: Thomas Priester – Finger Lakes Community College
  • 2008: Joseph Maurer – Lone Star College–Montgomery
  • 2006: Mandy Ellertson – Portland Community College
  • 2003: Kathleen Maiuri – Macomb Community College
  • 2002: Jim Eustrom – Chemeketa Community College
  • 2001: Gail Anderson Cywinski – Normandale Community College
  • 2000: Ed Snyder – College of Lake County
  • 1999: Jeanni Winston-Mui – Frederick Community College
  • 1998: Barbara Slagle – Tulsa Community College
  • 1997: Cami Bishop – Portland Community College
  • 1996: Curtis Smout – Salt Lake Community College
  • 1995: Jay Boyar – Prince George’s Community Colleg