The Adell McMillan Memorial Scholarship was established to assist women in developing their leadership potential within the profession. It benefits the recipient through up to $1,000 in financial support to participate in activities that provide professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities.

2023 Recipient: Katy Kaesebier, University of Houston 

Katy Kaesebier has served as interim director of the Center for Student Involvement since September 2022; in that time, she has been exposed to many challenges and opportunities, including leadership, civic engagement, registered student organization management, and campus traditions. She oversees a budget of nearly $4 million and approximately 200 events per year. This scholarship will allow Kaesebier to deepen her leadership skills, expand her network, and attend the Women’s Leadership Institute.

ACUI is not current accepting applications for this award. Please check back in 2024 for details on the next nomination period.

Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the applicant.
  2. A personal essay, written by the applicant, addressing (in 2,500 words or less):
    • Evidence that the applicant meets the criteria identified for this specific scholarship.
    • A summary of experiences related to advancing campus community, including positions or involvement the applicant has held on campus, in ACUI, and/or with other relevant organizations.
    • What activity is requested to be supported by the scholarship, including how the applicant would benefit from participation in the activity.
  3. Two to three letters in support of the applicant to receive the scholarship written by individuals such as direct supervisors/advisors, peers/colleagues, students, faculty members, etc.
  4. And an acknowledgement by the applicant that, if selected:
    • They are available to participate in the dates of the proposed activity.
    • They may receive a full or partial scholarship, and it is the obligation of the recipient or recipient’s institution to support additional expenses, including travel and lodging, required to participate in the activity.

The nomination period for this award is no longer open. Check back in 2024 for details on the next nomination period.

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

  • Excel on campus through leadership, achievement, and institutional involvement.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to and leadership potential in the profession.

Individuals eligible for this award must:

  • Identify as a woman;
  • Have one to five years of experience in the profession at an ACUI member institution; or be a degree-seeking student enrolled at an ACUI member institution.

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: Sarah Flores, University of Houston
  • 2021: Not awarded
  • 2020: Spencer Stidd – Virginia Tech
  • 2019: Paige LaPoint – University of Alaska–Fairbanks
  • 2018: Erica Epps – North Carolina State University
  • 2017: Alexandra Beynon – Temple University
  • 2016: Kait Howarth – Temple University
  • 2015: Hali Buck – The Ohio State University
  • 2014: Jennifer Powell – Valparaiso University
  • 2013: Reece Painter-Payne – Central Connecticut State University
  • 2012: Laura Rogalski – Western New England University

About Adell McMillan

McMillan served as director of the Erb Memorial Union at the University of Oregon, was president of ACUI, and was the recipient of the Butts-Whiting Award in 1987. In 2006, she authored a collection of oral histories of the college union movement and ACUI titled College Union Pioneers.

This scholarship recognizes her role as one of the first women to serve as a leader of ACUI and her commitment to the development of women in leadership roles.

McMillan was recognized with the Butts-Whiting Award, ACUI’s highest honor, in 1987, and she served as the ACUI president in 1981.