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Regional Awards
Shirley Bird Perry Outstanding Professionals Award | Shirley Plakidas Outstanding New Professional Award | Mosaic Award | Oustanding Service Award | Student Leadership Award | Region 12 I-LEAD Grant | Region 12 Professional Development Staff Award | Graduate Student Annual Conference Registration Grant | Past Award Winners
Shirley Bird Perry Outstanding Professional Award
The Shirley Bird Perry Outstanding Professional Award, established by the Region 12 Board in 1999, honors one of the most influential leaders in Region 12 for more than four decades.
After being named the “Most Outstanding Woman Student” as a senior at the University of Texas in Austin, Perry began her professional career as a Program Director and then as a Director of the Texas Union. During her Union career she was the first woman to be elected to the ACUI Executive Committee, serving as Vice President for Conference Programs from 1968 to 1970. She was also the first woman to serve as President of the organization in 1972-1973. “Perry returned to an administration position at the University of Texas in Austin in 1979 and was the Vice Chancellor for Development and External Relations for the University of Texas system from 1992 until 2004. Since that time, she has been serving as a Vice President overseeing presidential level fundraising efforts. She is also a member of the Vice President’s Council and the University Leadership Council at The University of Texas at Austin.”
Shirley Bird Perry Outstanding Professional Award is the highest honor presented by Region 12. The award is designed to recognize a member of the region was has made a significant contribution to the advancement of ACUI. The recipient will be recognized at the annual fall conference. Persons nominated should be singled out for their quality work and sustainedcontribution to ACUI rather than for a single action.
Goals of this award are:
To bring to the attention of the region the achievements of one of its outstanding members.- To show that people working on behalf of ACUI do make a significant contribution to the development, education, and welfare of the philosophy and activities of ACUI.
- To provide a means of expressing the gratitude and the appreciation of the region to an outstanding individual through the awarding of this honor.
I. Eligibility - Full-time employee at a Region 12 institution. At least ten years experience in the field and six years experience in Region 12.
II. Criteria for Selection
- Significant contribution and service to ACUI on a national and/or regional level.
- Work has made an impact on the programs and activities of ACUI. Shows a service attitude and concern for ACUI as differentiated from popularity based on public relations.Shows extra productive effort in assigned work. Extends self to help others. Displays a positive attitude.
- Provides quality information and/or research. Evidences a reputation for actively attempting to clarify systems and procedures. Highly responsible. Thorough and thoughtful in work reputation. Good follow through on assigned work.
III. Nominations should include:
- Nominee’s resume including educational background and training, work experience, evidence of institutional and ACUI involvement, and any honors received as a professional.
- Three letters of support: 1) Nominee’s immediate supervisor, 2) a student leader who has worked with the nominee, and 3) an ACUI colleague from another institution who has served with the person at the regional board level or international committee level.
- Application
Shirley Plakidas Outstanding New Professional Award
The Shirley Plakidas New Professional Award, established by the Region 12 Board in 1999, honors one of the Regions 12’s most influential leaders for more than three decades. Her career began as an Assistant Program Manager at the Nebraska Union in 1967, followed by a long career at Louisiana State University where she is now Director of the LSU Union. Plakidas has been active in Region 12 ACUI with conference planning, keynote addresses and seminars, and numerous leadership roles. She was also active on the international level of ACUI as a speaker, author, and coordinator of professional seminars, conferences, publications, and videos. Plakidas served as ACUI President in 1995-96, and received the prestigious Butts-Whiting Award in 1999.
The Shirley Plakidas New Professional Award is designed to recognize a member of the region who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of ACUI during the firstfive years of service in the region. The recipient will be recognized at the annual fall conference. Persons nominated should be singled out for their quality work and contribution to ACUI.
Goals of this award are:- To bring to the attention of the region the achievements of one of
its new promising members. - To show that people working on behalf of ACUI do make a difference
to the development, education, and welfare of the philosophy and
activities of ACUI.
- To provide a means of expressing the gratitude and the appreciation
of the region to an individual through the awarding of this honor.
I. Eligibility
- Be employed full-time by a Region 12 institution.
- Have been in Region 12 for at least two years, but no more than
five years.
- Contribution and service to ACUI on a regional and/or national
level.
- Specific work has made an impact on the programs and activities of ACUI at
their campus. - Shows a service attitude and concern for ACUI.
- Extends self to help others.
- Displays a positive attitude.
- Highly responsible.
involvement.
III. Nominations should include:
- Nominee’s resume including educational background and training,
work experience, evidence of institutional and ACUI involvement, and
any honors received as a professional; - Three letters of support: 1)Nominee’s immediate
supervisor; - A student leader who has worked with the nominee;
- An ACUI colleague from another institution who has served
with the person at the regional board level or international
committee level. - Application
- Recognition of a Region 12 institution for excellence in multicultural education under the umbrella of student development.
- Institutions nominated for this award will have planned, implemented, and evaluated a program to develop and promote multiculturism within student development.
- Programs that make a positive impact on the campus, the community, and/or a targeted group will be considered for this award.
- Applications include a written program description along with supporting evidence of the outcomes and impact of the program.
- Application
- Recognition of individual professional members who have given exceptional service to Region 12.
- Distinction is reserved for college union and student activities professionals in one of three areas:
- Retirement from field with a record of exceptional service to the region.
- Moved to another career, but has an outstanding record of service to Region 12.
- Volunteered exceptional service beyond the described duties of their Leadership Team position.
Region 12 offers annually an award worth $1,000 for a student leader who is active in their University Union/Student Center or Student Activities. The award will be disbursed to the recipient at the conclusion of the 2010 Fall Semester. One recipient will be selected for the Region 12 Leadership Team Student Award. The Region 12 Award is designed to provide financial assistance to a student within the region who has distinguished himself/herself in both academic and co-curricular activities within the Union or Student Activities office.
Quick Checklist for Eligibility:
___ I am a full-time student.
___ I am attending a member school of ACUI Region 12 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, or Texas) and will be attending a member school during the award period.
___ 2.5 G.P.A. on a 4.0 scale
___ I will continue to serve as a volunteer or student worker during the Fall 2010 semester.
___ I will furnish a signed statement from the institutional contact supporting me in attending the Fall 2010
Region 12 Conference.
Application Process:
1. Complete the ACUI Region 12 Scholarship Application (on page two).
2. Attach your responses to the three (3) questions (on page two).
3. Provide or attach a letter of recommendation from a Union or Activities Staff Member who advises or
supervises your work.
4. Provide or attach a resume of college experiences, including ACUI and other professional experiences,
if applicable.
5. Provide or attach a current, cumulative, official transcript (or an unofficial transcript confirmed by the
Institutional Contact from your University/College as accurate).
Region 12 awards an annual grant worth over $700 for student leaders who are active in their College Union/Student Center or Student
Activities Office. The Region 12 I-LEAD® Registration Grant is designed to provide financial assistance to a
student within the region who has distinguished himself/herself in co-curricular activities within the Union or
Student Activities Office. Up to two (3) recipients will be selected.
I-LEAD® is an intensive, live-in, learning experience. I-LEAD® is an institute, not a conference. As an
institute, the program offers a unified curriculum to all participants. The curriculum is grounded by “The Role
of the College Union” statement and the I-LEAD® values: inclusion, shared vision, risk taking, collaboration,
celebration, human dignity, community building, and integrity. For more information on I-LEAD®, please see
the following ACUI web page link: http://www.acui.org/programs/student/.
How Much Money?
It pays $650 for registration, meals, lodging, materials and program activities at the I-LEAD® Institute. The grant does not cover travel costs to the
I-LEAD® site location.
Quick Checklist for Eligibility:
___ I am a full-time student.
___ I am attending a member school of ACUI Region 12 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, or Texas) and will be attending a member school during the award period.
___ 2.5 Cumulative G.P.A. on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on different scale).
___ I will continue to serve as a volunteer or student worker during Fall 2010 and Spring 2011.
___ I will furnish a signed statement from the institutional contact supporting me in attending the Fall 2010 Conference.
Application Process:
1. Complete the ACUI Region 12 I-LEAD® Registration Grant (on page two).
2. Provide or attach one letter of reference from a staff member of the Student Union or Activities Office.
3. Provide or attach one letter of reference from either a faculty or staff member.
4. Provide or attach a resume that includes your college experiences.
5. Provide or attach a current, cumulative, official transcript (or an unofficial transcript confirmed by the
institutional contact from your University/College as accurate).
Region 12 Professional Development Staff Award
The Professional Development Award covers registration costs (up to $500) for any ACUI sponsored program for a professional staff member for 2010-2011. This award is designed to provide financial assistance to a staff member within the region who has distinguished himself/herself through excellence in service to their home campus while working within the Union or Student Activities Office. Up to two (2) recipients will be selected.
Application Process:
1. Complete the ACUI Region 12 Professional Development Staff Award.
2. Attach one letter of reference from a staff member of the Student Union or Activities Office.
3. Attach your resume of college experiences.
4. Attach a current, cumulative transcript from your school (an unofficial transcript will suffice).
Graduate Student Annual Conference Registration Grant
The Graduate Student Annual Conference Registration Grant covers registration costs ($350) for the 2010 ACUI Annual Conference, to be held in New York City from February 28-March 4. This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to graduate students within the region who has distinguished himself/herself through excellence in an academic graduate program while working within a Union or Student Activities Office. Up to two (2) recipients will be selected.
Eligibility
1. Be a current graduate student, and will be a graduate student during the 2010 spring term.
2. Be enrolled at a member school of ACUI Region 12 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, or Texas).
Application Process:
1. Complete the Graduate Student Annual Conference Registration Grant Application.
2. Attach your responses to the three questions asked in the application.
3. Attach a resume, including ACUI and other association experiences, if applicable.
4. Attach a letter of recommendation from a union or activities staff member, student employee or student leader who has worked with you.
Shirley Bird Perry Outstanding Professional Award
2010 - Tom Rufer, University of North Texas
2009–No winner
2008-Keith T. Kowalka-University of Houston
2007-Boyd Beckwith-Rice University
2003-Lanita Hanson-Texas State University-San Marcos
2002-Charlie Salas-Texas State University-San Marcos
2001-Mary Finley-University of North Texas
2000-Luke Altendorf-Texas A&M University-College Station
Shirley Plakidas Outstanding New Professional Award
2010 - No winner
2009–Kristen Salo, University of Houston
2008–No winner
2007-Dusty Vaught-Texas State University-San Marcos
2006-James Fawcett-Univeristy of Houston
2005-Jason Meier-Louisiana State University
2004-Dave Wagner-Hendrix College
2003-Jennifer Dinsmore-Loyola University New Orleans
2002-Paul Sutera-Rice University
2001-Staci Pepitone-Louisana State University-Baton Rouge
2000-Keith Kowalka-University of Houston
Mosaic Award
2009-St. Edward’s University
2008-Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi-CultureFest
2007-Texas State University-San Marcos/The Common Experience Speaker program
2005-Sam Houston State University-M.I.S.S.
2003-Rice University-ADVANCE Program
2001-Tarleton State University-Survivor Week
Outstanding Service Award
2004-Cheri Jack-Colin County Community College District
2003-Hector Gonzalez-St. Mary's University/UT Health Science
2003-Charles Huber-Tarrant County College-South
2003-Michelle M. Lopez, University of Texas-San Antonio
2002-Ed Knoll-Tarleton State University
2002-Mark Packer-University of North Texas
Student Leadership Award
2010-Aspen Teague-Texas Tech University
2009–Amanda Cruse, Texas Tech University
2008-Rachel Verbout, Texas Tech University
2007-Geoffrey Mecoy-Austin College
2005-Megan Antonetti-Elford-St. Edward's University
2005-Margaret K. Cox-University of North Texas
2005-Afshan A. Kamrudin-University of North Texas
2004-Meghan Elizabeth O'Hara-Lousiana State University
2004-Ruby A. Sanchez-Texas A&M University-Kingsville
2004-Yvonne Ijeoma Umeh-Rice University
2003-Bizu Ejigu-Collin County Community College
2003-Deepak Doshi-University of Houston
2002-Norman Garza-St. Edward's University
2002-Leira Moreno-Rice University
2005-Nathan Dunkel-Collin County Community College
2001-Amanda Sadat-Lousiana State University-Baton Rouge
2000-Cathy Sue Rodgers-Texas State University-San Marcos
2000-Timothy A. Hemphill/Lousiana State University-Baton Rouge
1999-Antonia Marie Keller/Lousiana State University-Baton Rouge
1999-Dwight Bordelon-Lousiana State University-Baton Rouge
1999-Jordan Hall-Texas State University-San Marcos
1999-Sumit Jain-Lousiana State University-Baton Rouge
Region 12 I-LEAD Grant
2010-Christine Lucht-St. Edward's University
2010-Michelle Pagano-St. Edward's University
2010-Matthew Wolski-St. Edward's University
2009–Amanda Cruse, Texas Tech University
2009–Katherine Daniel, Lone Star College - Montgomery
2009–Carlos Rodriguez, University of North Texas
2008–Matthew Rush, Lone Star College - Montgomery
2008–Micah Kenfield, University of Houston
2007-Maleeha Akhtar-Austin College
2007-Myra Martinez-Texas A&M University-International
2007-Isela Picazo-Texas A&M University-International
2005-Kelly Brigance/St. Edward’s University
2005-Sequoia Houston-University of Houston
2005-Geoffrey Mecoy-Austin College
2004-Ebony Cephus-University of North Texas
2004-Oluronke Osibajo-Texas A&M University-Kingsville
2004-Thomandra Sam/Lousiana State University–Baton Rouge
2003-Kristen Erickson-Texas State University-San Marcos
2003-Kimberly Young-Lousiana State University-Baton Rouge
2002-Emilia Gilbert-Lousiana State University–Baton Rouge
2001-Lanaea Parker-Lousiana State University–Baton Rouge
2000-Sumit Jain-Lousiana State University-Baton Rouge
1999-Stephanie Schmidt-Texas State University-San Marcos
Professional Development Grant Recipients
2010-Kerim Davis-Rice University
2010-Erin Dement-Rice University
2009-Pamelyn Shefman, Rice University
2009-Lisa Perez, TAMU Corpus Christi