The ACUI Values Award is presented to up to five individuals annually who continuously uphold the ACUI core values in their daily work. The importance of the college union is actively demonstrated through this individual’s commitment to unconditional human worth, joy, learning, caring community, innovation, diversity, and integrity.

2023 Recipient: Shanna Kinzel, University of Nevada–Las Vegas

Kinzel’s work with the UNLV Women’s Council includes being unanimously elected to serve as the Women’s Council co-chair, where she manages the budget, conducts Steering Committee meetings, supports task forces, and supervises staff. Her service work is completed while holding a demanding full-time position within conference and event services. She displays a level of diversity and inclusion awareness by considering how policies, processes, and words impact marginalized communities. 

2023 Recipient: Linda Koon, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh   

Linda Koon is a critical part of Reeve Memorial Union—not only to the professional staff who she works with, but also the student employee staff who she supports. She serves as the past president on the University Staff Senate, a small group facilitator for I-LEAD(R) and is a member of the I-LEAD(R) curriculum review team. Koon is responsible for hiring, training, evaluating, and recognizing over 130 student employees within the Reeve Union Student Employment Program.  

ACUI is not currently accepting nominations for this award. Please check back in 2024 for additional information about the next nomination period.

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 2023 nomination period has passed. Please check back in April 2024 for details on the next nomination period.

The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of written evidence that the nominee has gone above and beyond to embody the ACUI core values in their work to advance campus community. An individual cannot receive the ACUI Values Award more than once.

Individuals with ACUI membership are eligible for this award. In a given year, one individual with ACUI membership from each of the following categories may receive this award:

  • Undergraduate students
  • Graduate students
  • New professionals (up to five years of experience)
  • Mid- to senior-level professionals (more than 5 years of experience)
  • Associate members

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: Ian Crone, University of Tennessee–Knoxville
  • 2021: Doyle Hytchye, University of Texas–San Antonio; Rene Singleton, the University of Washington
  • 2020: Tricia Dobrient, Marquette University; David Lemon, University of St. Thomas; Michael MacStudy, Ramapo College
  • 2019: Michael Boerner, Stony Brook University; Kyle Burke, Northeastern Illinois University; and Victoria Lawler, California State University–Northridge
  • 2018: Tara Benson, Missouri State University
  • 2017: Amy Liss, University of Massachusetts–Lowell
  • 2016: Jessi Eaton, University of Minnesota–Duluth
  • 2015: Keith Kowalka, University of Houston
  • 2014: Tina Pinocci, Rowan University