Region VI Awards & Scholarships

Region VI Awards

The application deadline for Region VI awards is January 15, 2024. Awards nominations can be submitted here. Awards will be presented at the Regional Dinner at the ACUI 2024 Annual Conference in Denver.

The New Professional Award was initiated in 1999 and is presented to an individual who demonstrates the potential and commitment for excellence in the field of college unions and student activities. The award was named in honor of Bob Rodda in 2006 for his efforts in mentoring young professionals. This award includes a $250 scholarship for ACUI professional development opportunities.

CRITERIA

Makes a significant contribution to campus life at his/her/their institution
Demonstrates commitment to the college union or student activities field
Is viewed by colleagues as an educator
Displays genuine support and regard for students
Has been employed as a current full time professional staff member of an ACUI member institution in the field for five years or less (not less than nine months a year)

PROCESS FOR NOMINATION

Nomination may be submitted by individual staff or students, who have individual membership or are associated with a member institution within Region VI
- Self-nominations are accepted
- Nomination will cary over the one-year if nominee does not receive the award.
Nomination letter that includes:
- How long and in what capacity nominator has known the nominee
- Why this individual should receive the Bob Rodda New Professional Award
- What differentiates this individual from others?
- How has the nominee shown of leadership and/or employment success?
- How is the nominee involved outside of duties of his/her/their position? Campus contributions and/or involvement.

Past Recipients

2011: Eric Heilmeier, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
2013: Katie Krajny, The Ohio State University
2014: Mandee Matzke, Central Michigan University
2015: Ryan Clemons, Indiana University–Bloomington
2016: Spencer Stidd, Virginia Tech
2017: Rieanna Stewart, Wayne State University
2018: Juliana Jalal, IUPUI
2019: Hannah Muldoon-Davis, Miami University
2021: Jamie Alt, University of Michigan and Molly Bower, Virginia Tech
2022: Bob Rodda New Professional Award: Yaqob Nagi, Wayne State University

In 1992, Colleen Hennessey established two awards for students at member institutions. One is designated for an undergraduate student within Region VI who is involved or employed in her/his union or student center or in programming and excels in their work or volunteer experience. The other is designated for a graduate student within Region VI who excels at their involvement or employment in her/his union or student center or in programming and is enrolled in a masters program related to the union field. Each award includes a $250 scholarship for ACUI professional development opportunities.

CRITERIA

Past or present involvement in the union or student center or in programming
Outstanding leadership or employment
Significant contributions to the student’s campus
Grade point (each student must be in good academic standing

PROCESS FOR NOMINATION

Nominations may be submitted by individual staff or students, who have individual membership or are associated with a member institution within Region VI.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
- Nomination will carry over for one-year if nominee does not receive the award.
Nomination letter that includes:
- How long and in what capacity nominator has known the nominee
- Why this individual should receive the Colleen Hennessy Award?
- What differentiates this student from others?
- How has this student shown of leadership and/or employment success?
- How is this student involved outside of work? Campus contributions and/or involvement.
- Current GPA of student and/or evidence of academic excellence.
- How award will benefit the student?

Past Recipients

2019 Undergraduate: Hannah Warner, Ball State University
2019 Graduate: Ryan Spolar, Xavier University
2021 Undergraduate: Haniah Griffith, University of Kentucky
2021 Graduate: Juna Johnston, Ball State University
2022 Undergraduate: Sidney Mills, IUPUI
2022 Graduate: Hayden Cochran, William & Mary

The Gretchen Laatsch Outstanding Service Award recognizes significant leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to Region VI. It acknowledges individual contributions which advance the programs, services, and retention efforts of Region VI, while reflecting the mission and goals of ACUI. The award was initiated in 1989 and is named for Gretchen Laatsch, who served ACUI as a regional representative from 1986–89, vice president of regional affairs (1990–93), and president (1994–95). This award is endowed and includes a $500 award.

CRITERIA

Nominee must have served Region VI (or any former regions now part of Region VI) for a minimum of one year prior to the regional conference.
A nominee does not have to be working in the field or in Region VI at the time of nomination.
Nominee has made a significant contribution to Region VI (or any former regions now part of Region VI), while reflecting the mission and goals of ACUI.

PROCESS FOR NOMINATION

Nomination may be submitted by individual staff or students who have individual membership or are associated with a member institution within Region VI.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
- Nomination will carry over for one-year if nominee does not receive the award.
Nomination letter that includes:
- How long and in what capacity nominator has known the nominee
- Why should this individual receive the Gretchen Laatsch Outstanding Service Award
- How has the nominee contributed to Region VI (or any former regions now part of Region VI)? Please be specific and share examples
- What differentiates this nominee from others?
- In what other ways has the nominee furthered the growth and goals of Region VI?

Past Recipients

2011: Jeff Pelletier, The Ohio State University
2012: Kim Jacobs, Bowling Green State University
2013: Kristine Day, University of Michigan–Dearborn
2015: Gail Sutton, George Mason University
2016: Heather Beasley, Purdue University
2017: Anne Bruno, University of Akron
2018: Joe Hayes, IUPUI
2019: Don Rohel, Sheperd University retiree
2021: Katie Beaulieu, Wayne State University

This award recognizes a program or initiative which brought together a cross-section of campus partners (two or more) to develop and implement an event, program, or initiative. This award honors partnerships which have led to the development and implementation of a campus-wide or community-wide effort. Examples may include (but are not limited to) multiple partners on campus, campus and community partners, or partners at multiple institutions. The nominated program or initiative could include an event, educational or social program, or building-wide effort, but should have been directly implemented and led by building/department staff, not a campus mandate.

CRITERIA

Any institution or organization that is an ACUI member within Region VI is eligible to apply for this award. Eligible initiative must meet one of the following:

An organized effort to bring together a diverse group of campus offices, colleagues, student organizations, or leaders for the development and implementation of a program or initiative.
An outstanding effort or activity aimed at building community and encouraging collaboration.
Though long-standing program nominations are welcome, the nominator should provide examples from within the last year of the initiative.

PROCESS FOR NOMINATION

Nomination may be submitted by individual staff or students who have individual membership or are associated with a member institution within Region VI.
Complete nominations include the following items
- Nomination letter that includes:
  - Why was this program, event, or initiative started? For what purpose? For how long has this program, event, or initiative been in place?
  - Was this initiative a student-led or staff-led effort?
  - What collaborative partners were needed in order to make this initiative a success?
  - What lessons were learned from the development of this program, event, or initiative?
  - What evidence exists to show that this program, event, or initiative has been successful?
  - Overall, why should this program, event, or initiative receive the Outstanding Collaborative Program Award?
- Supportive document(s) which could include:
  - Photos, videos, or images from the event, program or initiative
  - Assessment or feedback provided by participants
  - Letter of support from supervisor or initiative participant

Past Recipients

2018: The Defamation Experience, Valparaiso University
2019: Holidays Around the World from Purdue University, Purdue University
2021: IdeaHub, University of Michigan
2022: Roo-Store, The University of Akron

This award recognizes a program or initiative which intentionally recognizes staff and student employees within an ACUI member institution in Region VI. This award honors events, programs, or ongoing initiatives aimed at building a team atmosphere, appreciating the efforts of staff members, encourages ongoing recognition of others, or an initiative which intentionally provides opportunities for team growth and development. The nominated program or initiative could include an event, educational or social program, a series of programs or initiatives, or a building-wide effort, but should have been directly implemented and led by building/department staff, not a campus mandate.

CRITERIA

Any institution or organization that is an ACUI member within Region VI is eligible to apply for this award. Eligible initiative must meet one of the following:

An organized effort to build a team atmosphere among staff members and student employees.
An outstanding effort or activity aimed at recognizing others, intentionally developing a team, or a program directly geared towards camaraderie and staff cohesion.
Though long-standing program nominations are welcome, the nominator should provide examples from within the last year of the initiative.

PROCESS FOR NOMINATION

Nomination may be submitted by individual staff or students who have individual membership or are associated with a member institution within Region VI.
Complete nominations include the following items
- Nomination letter that includes:
  - Why was this program, event, or initiative started? For what purpose? For how long has this program, event, or initiative been in place?
  - Was this initiative a student-led or staff-led effort?
  - What evidence exists to show that this program, event, or initiative has been successful?
  - Overall, why should this program, event, or initiative receive the Outstanding Staff Appreciation Award?
Supportive document(s) which could include:
- Photos, videos, or images from the event, program or initiative
- Assessment or feedback provided by participants
- Letter of support from supervisor or initiative participant

Past Recipients

2018: Student Staff Experience Committee, Virginia Tech
2019: Valparaiso Staff Development, Valparaiso University
2022: Campus Center Student Employment Program, IUPUI

This award, established in 2001 and revised in 2012, is designed to recognize a professional in the region who has made significant contributions to the advancement of ACUI during his or her first five years of full-time service in the college union field. Candidates are recognized for the quality of their professional work and their contributions to ACUI. This award includes a $250 scholarship for ACUI professional development opportunities.

CRITERIA

Demonstrated commitment to ACUI through regional and/or association-wide involvement.
Made significant impact on Region VI (or any former regions now part of Region VI) through leadership role or involvement in programming.
Demonstrated commitment to the union/student activities field and their campus.
Employed as a current professional staff member of an ACUI member institution in the field for five years or less.

PROCESS FOR NOMINATION

Nomination may be submitted by individual staff or students, who have individual membership or are associated with a member institution within Region VI.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
- Nomination will carry over for one-year if nominee does not receive the award.
Nomination letter should includes:
- How long and in what capacity nominator has known the nominee.
- Why this individual should receive the Winston Shindell Outstanding Emerging Leader Award?
- What differentiates this individual from others?
- How has this nominee shown of leadership and/or employment success?
- How is this nominee involved outside of duties of his/her/their position? Campus contributions and/or involvement.
- Involvement with and contributions to ACUI Region VI (or any former regions now part of Region VI)

Past Recipients

2010: Matt Marshall, Ball State University
2011: Tena Bennett, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
2012: Michael Sprinkle, IUPUI
2013: Maureen Baker, Ball State University
2014: Cassidy Sansone, Indiana University–Bloomington (award was renamed in honor of Winston Shindell)
2015: Alison Doehring, University of Akron
2017: Brian Starkel, IUPUI
2018: Clayton Kolb, Virginia Tech
2019: Jessica Wilson, Valparaiso University

Region VI Scholarships

Region VI offers scholarships that help advance professionals and students through participation in educational events. Region VI is not currently accepting applications for any scholarships.