The Chuck Morrell New Professional IPDS Scholarship provides an emerging leader the opportunity to connect with peers, learn program and operational management, and develop leadership skills through attendance at IPDS: New Professionals Orientation. The scholarship will cover the cost of registration to the ACUI event.

2023 Recipient: Ahjah Green, University of Houston

In her role as activities coordinator with the Center for Student Involvement, Ahjah Green advises the Student Program Board and the Council for Cultural Activities as well as oversees the department’s late-night programming in initiative, InfraRED Nights. She also serves as an evaluator for the university’s Fraternal Excellence Program. Green will be able to increase her exemplary leadership skills by attending IPDS: New Professionals Orientation. 

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:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the profession.
  • Articulate an interest in and demonstrate potential benefit from professional development as a first-time attendee at the IPDS: New Professionals Orientation.
  • Embody characteristics that would “Be Like Chuck”:
    • Live life to the fullest.
    • Work to create collaborative relationships on campus, within their department, and throughout their region.
    • Grow the profession through volunteerism in ACUI.

Professionals with one to five years of experience in the profession at 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: Adam Carlson, Clemson University
  • 2021: Alex Maxwell, Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
  • 2020: Denee Jenkins – SUNY–Old Westbury
  • 2019: Kyle Kennedy – Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis
  • 2018: Emily Schnier – University of North Carolina–Charlotte
  • 2017: Jessica Fitzpatrick – Millsaps College 2
  • 2016: Victoria Rice – Missouri State University
  • 2015: Sienna Abdulahad – Virginia Tech

About Chuck Morrell

Chuck Morrell was a longtime supporter, visionary, and volunteer of ACUI before his retirement from the University of Connecticut in 2013. Known for the impact he had on people, his professional drive, and commitment to the college union, Morrell started his ACUI journey at the 1988 Indiana Professional Development Seminar, later renamed IPDS: New Professionals Orientation. His experience at IPDS launched his lifelong commitment to ACUI. Morrell went on to serve on the Region 1 Leadership Team and chaired the Region 1 conference in Glasgow, Scotland, reinforcing the importance international members play within the Association. Upon his retirement from higher education, he was bestowed the Emeritus Award from ACUI for his contributions to the profession and Association.

Morrell spent his career mentoring new professionals, instilling in them a love for the college union and ACUI. In his 2008 presidential address, Rich Steele coined the phrase “Be Like Chuck” when referencing the importance of giving back to the Association. This award seeks to honor Morrell’s legacy by providing talented new professionals the opportunity to experience the professional development opportunity that is IPDS, helping advance their careers as community builders within the student activities and college union profession.