Region I Awards & Scholarships

Region I Awards

The application deadline for the awards has passed and will reopen in advance of the 2024 Regional Conference.

The Matt Cameron Outstanding Student Award recognizes an outstanding student leader at a member institution who has served both Region I and their individual campus community. This award is Region I’s highest student honor.

Nomination Information

The following is required for nomination:

A nomination letter that includes:
- What makes this person a worthy candidate for this specific award?
- Any ACUI involvement, campus activities, and additional information which may support the nomination.
Optional supporting information should include:
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has worked with this individual in any capacity.

Past Recipients

2014: Jessica Rodriguez, California State University–Dominguez Hills
2015: Stephanie Jerome, University of La Verne
2016: Edwin Avelar, California State University–Dominguez Hills
2018: Tori Lawler, California State University–Northridge
2022: Alejandro Herrera, California State University–Dominguez Hills

The Debra L. Hammond Outstanding New Professional Staff Award is given to a staff member who has served as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement in the college unions/student activities field, and who has completed no more than five years in their professional career.

Nomination Information

The following is required for nomination:

A nomination letter that includes:
- What makes this person a worthy candidate for this specific award?
- Any ACUI involvement, campus activities, and additional information which may support the nomination.
Optional supporting information should include:
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has worked with this individual in any capacity.

Past Recipients

2014: Rob Buncombe, University of Nevada–Las Vegas
2016: Giselle Atallah, California State University–Dominguez Hills
2018: Brittany Lump, Arizona State University
2020: Dennis Ramos, Arizona State University

This brand new award recognizes any campus program that fosters the enhancement of the campus community, has a meaningful impact on student learning, and demonstrates the achievements of students and staff. Eligible campus programs must:

Have been created and implemented by students (who may be advised by staff)
Have occurred on the campus of a Region I member institution
Have taken place during the 2022–23 academic year

Nomination Information

The following is required for nomination:

A nomination letter that includes:
- Name of student member(s) responsible for planning the event
- A summary of the program, including program title and description
- Intended goals/learning outcomes
- Evidence of achievement of those goals
Additional supporting information should include (optional):
- Any documentation such as photos, video, or marketing samples
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has first-hand knowledge of this program
- Additional materials should be condensed into a single file for upload purposes

This award was first created in 1999 to honor long-time ACUI leader Don Hinde and his wife, Noel. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes and thanks a student union or student activities professional at a member institution who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the profession on their campus and within Region I.

Nomination Information

The following is required for nomination:

A nomination letter that includes:
- What makes this person a worthy candidate for this specific award?
- Any ACUI involvement, campus activities, and additional information which may support the nomination.
Optional supporting information should include:
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has worked with this individual in any capacity.

Past Recipients

2014: Raymond “Chip” West, University of La Verne
2016: Lynn Cacha
2018: Joanna Iwata, California State University–Monterey Bay

Have been created and implemented by professional staff
Have occurred on the campus of a Region I member institution
Have taken place during the 2022–23 academic year

Nomination Information

The following is required for nomination:

A nomination letter that includes:
- Name of staff member(s) responsible for planning the event
- A summary of the program, including program title and description
- Intended goals/learning outcomes
- Evidence of achievement of those goals
Additional supporting information should include (optional):
- Any documentation such as photos, video, or marketing samples
- Any additional letters of recommendation from an ACUI member (separate from the initial nominator) who has first-hand knowledge of this program
- Additional materials should be condensed into a single file for upload purposes

Past Recipients

2015: Mollique Johnson, San Diego State University
2016: Dominica Ranieri, Alliant International University
2018: Kristopher Disharoon, California State University – East Bay
2020: Dr. Freddie Sanchez, California State University – Northridge

The Region I ICONS are a society of active and engaged professionals within ACUI and Region I who guide, mentor, and support the region through participation and engagement in ACUI programs. The goal of this new ICON society is not only to recognize outstanding past leaders within the organization, but to facilitate further opportunities for their continued involvement in the Region, helping to shepherd and guide current and future Region I leaders.

Past Recipients

2014: Debra L. Hammond, California State University–Northridge
2014: Chuck Price, University of Nevada–Reno
2014: Ellen Kusano, University of Hawaii–Hilo
2014: Jan Javinar, University of Hawaii–West Oahu
2014: Patrick Bailey, California State University–Northridge
2014: Leslie Davis
2014: Helga Kray
2014: LeNorman Strong

2014: Matt Cameron, Santa Clara University
2014: Neil Gerard
2014: Kim Clark
2014: Mark Day
2015: Raymond “Chip” West, Riverside City College
2018: Kathy McIntosh
2022: Cecilia Ortiz, California State University–Dominguez Hills

Region 15 Debra L. Hammond Outstanding New Professional Staff Award

2001: Kathy McIntosh
2002: Ericka Nunez-Paddock
2003: Pamela Baldger
2008: Kevin Lizarraga

2009: Jason Cruz
2010: Tiffany Dreyer
2011: Christine Thompson
2012: Jim Brooks

Region 15 Don & Noel Hinde Distinguished Service Award

1999: Noel Hinde
2000: Debra L. Hammond
2000: Neil Gerard
2001: Jim Caruthers
2002: Ron Barrett
2003: Matt Cameron

2004: Harvey McKee
2005: Helga Kray
2006: Jan Javinar
2007: Kim Clark
2008: Ellen Kusano
2009: Partrick Bailey

2010: Chuck Price
2011: Jennifer Puccinelli
2012: Leslie Davis

Region 15 Diane Morisato Staff Recognition Award

1992: Diane Morisato
1993: Dick Scott
1994: Meg Sutton
1995: Matt Cameron
1996: Jan Javinar
1997: Susan Payment
1998: Patrick Bailey
1999: Carol Burke

2000: Jerry Mann
2001: Dan Cornthwaite
2002: Mark Day
2003: Jeffrey Hoffman
2004: Jennifer Puccinelli
2005: Matthew Ducatt, Ph.D.
2006: Raymond “Chip” West
2007: Cecilia Ortiz

2008: Kristie Godfrey
2009: Kathy McIntosh
2010: Jeremy Hamlett
2011: Keya Allen
2012: Bill Olmstead

Region I Scholarships

Region I is not currently accepting applications for scholarships.

The Institute for Leadership Education and Development (I-LEAD®) is ACUI’s premier student program, designed to emphasize the key concept areas of leadership, community development, and change. I-LEAD® offers an opportunity for the college students to focus on personal growth and other issues facing our world. The institute prepares students to develop skills that will serve them as leaders in any situation, regardless of role, organization, or environment.

Past Recipients

2014: Marissa Castaneda, University of La Verne
2014: Jacob Ioane, University of Arizona
2015: Randy Palacios, California State University–Los Angeles
2015: Gerardo Zamora Barajas, San Diego State University
2016: Linda Doo
2016: Bryant Garcia, California State University–Northridge

IPDS: New Professionals Orientation has been refined over its more than 40-year existence. The program offers participants an opportunity to share information, exchange materials, learn new techniques and theories, discuss opportunities and threats, and network with colleagues in a challenging and supportive environment. Anyone who is new to the college union and student activities profession should attend regardless of title. Because the program format facilitates a small-group feel, the bonds formed with colleagues can last a lifetime.

Past Recipients

2014: Brandon Duarte, California State University–Fullerton
2015: Daniela Lavezzo, California State University–San Marcos
2016: Geovany Paiz, California State University–Dominguez Hills
2020: Elias Gallegos, California State University–Northridge

Past Recipients

2014: Geoff Bingaman, University of California–Berkeley
2015: Mollique Johnson, San Diego State University
2016: Liza Bennett, San Diego State University

Past Recipients

2014: Shanna Kinzel, University of Nevada–Las Vegas
2015: Paola Arroyo
2016: Lynn Gold, University of Nevada–Las Vegas

2012 Region 15 Bob Alexander Memorial Scholarship: Hilda Nieblas
2012 Region 15 Carol Burke Memorial Scholarship: Madison Grater
2012 Region 15 Dick Scott Student Development Scholarship: Jennifer Wheeler