ACUHO-I celebrates the individuals and institutions that epitomize the spirit, mission, and service of the Association and the profession. Viewing the past recipients of these awards reveals the rich history of campus housing and residence life and how these individuals have championed integrity, diversity, leadership, and innovation.
The award nomination and consideration process typically occurs in the second half of the year, and most recipients are announced in March. Read on to view the full list of awards, the nomination process, and the past recipients. All nominees must be current ACUHO-I members in good standing and may not be sitting members of the Awards and Recognition Committee, the ACUHO-I Executive Board, or ACUHO-I Foundation leadership.
The ACUHO-I Award
The ACUHO-I Award recognizes the career of the most exemplary campus housing professionals. The highest award that ACUHO-I confers is presented only after a person has retired or left the housing and food service field and recognizes distinguished service to ACUHO-I and the campus housing profession. The nomination process is closed, and recipients are selected by past ACUHO-I presidents.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Kenneth Stoner
- 2022 Harry Le Grande
- 2021 Willie J. Young, Sr.
- 2020 Chuck Rhodes
- 2019 Paul Jahr
- 2018 David Stephen
- 2017 Joan Schmidt
- 2017 W. Garry Johnson
- 2016 James Grubb
- 2015 Jack Collins
- 2015 Gary North
- 2014 Don Moore
- 2013 Jerry Quick
- 2012 Pat Mielke
- 2012 Rita M. Moser
- 2011 Jim Chitwood
- 2010 Donald Kilbourn
- 2009 Kay Rich
- 2008 Grant Sherwood
- 2007 Jim Day
- 2007 Bob Hartman
- 2006 Robert Mosier
- 2005 Gary Schwarzmueller
- 2004 Doris Collins
- 2003 Gary Schwartz
- 2002 Keith Guy
- 2001 Michael B. Hoctor
- 2000 James C. Grimm
- 1999 Harold Banks
- 1998 Carmen Vance
- 1998 Dan Hallenbeck
- 1997 Judy Spain
- 1996 William Paleen
- 1996 Charles Frederiksen
- 1995 Deanne Molinari
- 1994 Bill Bierbaum
- 1993 Joan Mortell
- 1992 Lois Redd
- 1991 James Hurd
- 1991 Lois Fariello
- 1990 Welker Bishop
- 1990 Vernon Elsemore
- 1989 Betty L. Harrah
- 1988 Robert B. Stewart
- 1988 John Storey
- 1987 Ed Hendricks
- 1986 Fred Schwendiman
- 1986 Harold Riker
- 1985 John C. Jack Smalley
- 1984 Newell J. Smith
- 1983 Betty Arnsman
- 1983 Clifford Yoder
- 1982 Sumner Cohen
- 1981 Bly Curtis
- 1981 Tommy Tomlinson
- 1980 George Merrill
- 1979 Joseph Nye
- 1979 Otto Mueller
- 1978 John Forsberg
- 1977 J. Arthur Pringle
- 1976 Nevada Blackburn
- 1976 Helen Townsend
- 1975 A. Thornton Edwards
- 1974 Milton R. Shaw
- 1965 J. DuVon
- 1964 Dr. S. Earl Thompson
Presidential Service Award
This award, selected solely at the discretion of the ACUHO-I president and presented each year at the annual conference to one individual and one organization, recognizes those who have made a lasting impact on ACUHO-I and the campus housing profession. In many cases, these winners may have been unsung heroes whose work was done largely in the background. The winners of this award epitomize the spirit of a volunteer-driven association. They have given willingly of their time and expertise with the simple goal of improving the profession as well as their professional home.
Past Recipients
2023 Derek Jackson & Vassar College
2022 Luis Jimenez Inoa & California State University-Monterey Bay
2021 Kathy Bush Hobgood & Texas Christian University
2020 Patrick Connor & University of Oregon
2019 Michael Schultz & New York University
2018 Charles Holmes-Hope & Deakin University
2017 Sheila Meyer & University of South Florida
2016 Paul Jahr & Michigan State University
2015 Bonnie Solt Prunty & University of Georgia
2014 Joan Schmidt, Sallie Traxler & Stellenbosch University
2013 Jack Collins & City University of Hong Kong
2012 Tony Cawthon, Pamela Schreiber & Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
2011 Tom Ellett & University of Pretoria
2010 Sandi Scott-Duex, Josh Goldman & Texas Tech University
2009 Pete Galloway & University of Baltimore, Maryland County
2008 Katie Boone, Ann Nielson & Miami University
2007 Maggie Burkhart Evans & University of Alberta
2006 Michael Coakley & University of California-Berkley
2005 Norbert Dunkel & University of Arizona
2004 Suzy Campbell & University of St. Thomas
2003 M. Edward Bryan & The University of Akron
2002 Kathy Krajnak, Joe Massingham & Syracuse University
2001 Susan Grant & Purdue University
2000 Jill Eckhardt & University of Maryland-College Park
1999 Manny Amaro & University of British Columbia
1998 Rita Moser & Ball State University
1997 Nancy Murphy-Chadwick & University of Florida
1996 David Holmes & The Ohio State University
1995 Rebecca Parker & Iowa State University
1994 Jeannette Songer & Mississippi State University
1993 Mike Eyster & University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
1992 Leroy Willliams & Colorado State University
James C. Grimm Leadership and Service Award
Recognizes individuals who have served ACUHO-I and advanced the goals of the association throughout their career with exceptional dedication, outstanding leadership, and devoted service.
James C. Grimm is one of the most noted names in campus housing. As a former ACUHO-I President and Foundation leader, the chair of countless committees and task forces, and author of several publications, he greatly impacted our field and Association. Most notably, he is the co-founder of the National Housing Training Institute, which now bears his name.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Shannon Staten
- 2022 T.J. Logan
- 2021 Deb Schmidt-Rogers
- 2020 Gerry Kowalski
- 2019 Joanne Goldwater
- 2018 Thomas Ellett
- 2017 Pam Schreiber
- 2016 Sue Beebe
- 2015 Patricia Martinez
- 2014 (No Recipient)
- 2013 Alma R. Sealine
- 2012 Michael J. Schultz
- 2011 Connie Carson
- 2010 Cindy Felice
- 2009 Mike Eyster
- 2008 Gary Kimble
- 2007 Michael Coakley
- 2006 John E. Collins
- 2005 Tom Kane
- 2004 Norb Dunkel
- 2003 David Holmes
- 2002 Chuck Werring
- 2001 Virginia C. Arthur
- 2000 Harry Le Grande
- 1999 Keith Guy
- 1998 Michael Hoctor
- 1997 David Stephen
- 1996 Doris Collins
- 1995 Joan Schmidt
- 1994 Bob Mosier, Ph.D.
- 1993 Paul Jahr
- 1992 Mary Riseborough and Judy Spain
- 1991 Carmen Vance
- 1990 James C. Grimm
- 1989 John Schuh and Gary Schwarzmueller
- 1988 Chuck Waldie and Bill Paleen
- 1987 Welker Bishop and Bill Sweet
- 1986 Charles F. Frederiksen and Betty L. Harrah
Roelf Visser Global Initiatives Award
Recognizes ACUHO-I members who embody the attributes, spirit, and standards of commitment set forth by Roelf Visser, an instrumental part of forming the ACUHO-I Southern Africa Chapter. Recipients have shown their commitment that ACUHO-I’s influence would reach not just across the country but across the continent and the world.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Matthew Nelson
- 2022 Jacob J. Waitere
- 2021 Valerie Bruce
- 2020 Bes Liebenberg
- 2019 Colin Marshall
- 2018 Edwina Ellicott
- 2017 Tracey Mason-Innes
- 2016 Glen Weppler
- 2015 Gloria Belden Fernàndez
- 2014 Richard Kington
- 2013 Jack Gibbons
- 2012 Eric Segomotso Sebokedi
- 2011 Glen Weppler
- 2010 Dima Utgoff
- 2009 David Holmes
- 2008 Adolf Haislar
Carmen L. Vance Herstory Award
Champions the extraordinary women in the campus housing profession who exemplify leadership, commitment to service, and courage on campus, for the Association, and the field as a whole. This award is presented to honor an outstanding female professional who has served the housing profession and assisted in supporting and creating opportunities for other female leaders.
Carmen L. Vance served ACUHO-I in numerous leadership roles, including serving as a founding member and chair of the ACUHO-I Foundation and serving as ACUHO-I president. In retirement, she has continued serving as a leader and champion for ACUHO-I and the work it does.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Aja Holmes
- 2022 Deanna C. Hughes
- 2021 Kathy Bush Hobgood
- 2020 Holly Alexander
- 2019 Stephanie Lynch
- 2018 Ana Hernandez
- 2017 Bonnie Solt Prunty
- 2016 Stacy Oliver-Sikorski
- 2015 Joan Schmidt
- 2014 Rosanne Proite
- 2013 D’aun Green
- 2012 Ann Marie Klotz
- 2011 Andrea Trinklein
- 2010 Julie Payne-Kirchmeier
- 2009 Mary Ann Ryan
- 2008 Deb LoBiondo
- 2007 Jenna Hyatt
- 2006 Susan Austin
- 2005 Deb Boykin
- 2004 Janice Robinson
- 2003 Joanne Goldwater
- 2002 Pat Mielke
- 2001 Doris B. Collins
James A. Hurd Award
Honors the outstanding contributions of a professional of color who embodies the attributes, spirit, and standards of commitment set forth by the award’s namesake.
A former Tuskegee Airman, James A. Hurd served as an Air Force pilot during the Korean War. Later, he earned a master’s degree in education psychology from Howard University. He would also serve that university as auxiliary enterprises director. As the first African-American president of ACUHO-I, it is appropriate that the award that recognizes outstanding contributions by a professional of color be named in his honor.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Luis Inoa
- 2022 Shaun N. Crisler
- 2021 Demarcus Merritt
- 2020 Vicka Bell-Robinson
- 2019 Charles Holmes-Hope
- 2018 Keener Scott
- 2017 Chandra Myrick
- 2016 Maylen Aldana
- 2015 Emily Galindo
- 2014 Tonie Miyamoto
- 2013 Curtis Brickhouse
- 2012 Marty Takimoto
- 2011 Richard Gibson
- 2010 Willie Brown
- 2009 No Recipient
- 2008 Eddie Bankston
- 2007 Vera Jackson
- 2006 Eleanor L. Reynolds
- 2005 Liz Simpson
- 2004 Ed Jones
- 2003 Tarome Alford
- 2002 Miriam Rosado
- 2001 Rebecca Parker
- 2000 Kathy Humphrey
- 1999 York Campbell
- 1999 Harry Le Grande
- 1998 Chuck Rhodes
- 1997 Frank Bowen, Jr.
- 1996 Renardo Hall
- 1995 Hal Espy
- 1994 Ron Campbell
- 1993 Willie J. Young
- 1992 Jamesetta “Tootie” Williams
- 1991 Harold Banks
Judy Spain Award
Recognizes an individual who has contributed to the LGBTQ community through activities and interventions that promote positive growth, development, and education.
Judy Spain served in numerous roles in ACUHO-I and was the first woman to serve as president of UMR-ACUHO. Spain worked tirelessly through her home campuses and NACURH to continually improve the student experience. In her career, she was a mentor to many staff and students, as well as an inspiration to LGBTQ individuals and their allies.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Amanda Iverson
- 2022 Kathy Collins
- 2021 (No Recipient)
- 2020 Rick Moreci
- 2019 Steph Kaneen
- 2018 (No Recipient)
- 2017 (No Recipient)
- 2016 Richard DeShields
- 2015 (No Recipient)
- 2014 Shigeo Iwamiya
- 2013 (No Recipient)
- 2012 (No Recipient)
- 2011 Sean Pierce
- 2010 David Vaillancourt
- 2009 (No Recipient)
- 2008 Aaron Lucier
- 2007 Catherine Bickel
- 2006 Ginny Arthur
- 2005 Michael Coakley
- 2004 Bill Bolden
- 2003 Jeanine Bessette
- 2002 Alan Hargrave
- 2001 Chuck Rhodes
Research and Publication Award
Granted to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the body of research and publications related to the housing profession.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Joshua Brown
- 2022 Ryan W. Erck
- 2021 James C. Stoner
- 2020 (No Recipient)
- 2019 John Schuh
- 2018 Erik Sorensen
- 2017 Denise Davidson
- 2016 Deborah J. Taub
- 2015 Frank Shushok
- 2014 Norbert W. Dunkel and James Baumann
- 2013 (No Recipient)
- 2012 (No Recipient)
- 2011 Maureen Wilson
- 2010 Tony W. Cawthon
- 2009 Phyllis McCluskey-Titus
- 2008 J. Diane Porter-Roberts
- 2007 (No Recipient)
- 2006 Merrily Dunn
- 2005 William Zeller
- 2004 Karen Inkelas
- 2003 Robert Inkelas
- 2003 Paul Jahr
- 2002 Ken Stoner
- 2001 Norbert W. Dunkel
- 2000 Don Whalen
Dissertation of the Year Award
Honors exceptional work by doctoral students and encourages the highest levels of scholarship, research, and writing to contribute to the campus housing profession.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Robert Engblom
- 2022 Deborah Scheibler
- 2021 Chandra Myrick
- 2020 Krista Prince
- 2019 Laura Sanders
Robert P. Cooke Talking Stick Article of the Year Award
Granted based on the quality of writing; organization of the article; use of supporting documentation, where appropriate; capacity of the article to provoke thought; usability of the article to student housing programs or staff; and contribution to the campus housing field. This award is determined by the members of the Talking Stick Advisory Panel and is limited to articles published within the current year.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Aramis Watson
- 2022 Em Camden Doolittle and Leota Wilson
- 2021 Nicholas Santilli
- 2020 Jasmine P. Clay and Trebby L. Ellington
- 2019 Mary Jordan, Vern Rogers and Matthew Venaas
- 2018 Vicka Bell-Robinson and Erin Slater
- 2017 Shaun Crisler and Deborah Scheibler
- 2016 Chris Heasley, Frances Watson Lengowski, Kurt Haapala, and Norbert Dunkel
- 2015 Jörg Vianden
- 2014 Kathy Bush Hobgood, Verna Howell
- 2013 Jill Stratton, Paul Wuennenberg
- 2012 Stacy Oliver, Kathryn Magura
- 2011 Elizabeth Cox
- 2010 Vickie Hawkins
- 2010 Kathy Bush Hobgood
- 2009 Joan M. Schmidt
- 2009 Darell Armentrout
- 2008 Eric Jessup-Anger
- 2007 Tonie Miyamoto
- 2006 Julie Phillips
- 2005 Neil Buddel
- 2004 Jeanne Steffes
- 2004 Keith Edwards
- 2003 Brian Montgomery
- 2002 Phil James
- 2001 George Weise
- 2000 Ken Stoner
- 2000 Vennie Gore
- 2000 Sherry Ochsner
- 1999 Frank Sanchez
- 1998 Ken Stoner
- 1997 Jim Banning
- 1996 ACUHO-I Residential Task Force
- 1996 William Zeller, Chair
- 1995 Mark Ryan
- 1994 Robert Mosier
- 1993 Donald Gehring
Betty L. Harrah Journal Manuscript of the Year Award
Presented based on the manuscript’s writing quality, organization, research methodology, significance to the housing field, educational value, creativity or originality of the approach, applicability or usability of the article to housing programs, and its overall contribution to the field. This award is determined by the ACUHO-I Journal of College & University Student Housing editorial board and is limited to manuscripts published within the current year. Manuscripts included in the theme issue are not considered.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Max Schuster and Rachel Stalker
- 2022 Gudrun Nyunt
- 2021 Phia Salter, Dustin Grabsch, Jaren Crist, Jagadesh Lagisetty, Lane Dyer, Estephanie Olvera
- 2020 R. Jason Lynch
- 2019 Rachel Wagner, Susan Marine and Z Nicolazzo
- 2018 Kevin McClure, Andrew Ryder and James DeVita
- 2017 Sherry Early
- 2016 Z Nicolazzo, Susan B. Marine
- 2015 Michael A. Harrington
- 2014 Danielle Twigg
- 2013 Heather L. Servaty-Seib, Deborah J. Taub, Ji-Yeon Lee, Carrie Watcher Morris, Donald L. Werden, Susan Prieto-Welch, Nathan Miles
- 2012 Karen Erlandson
- 2011 Vanessa D. Johnson
- 2011 George F. Thompson
- 2011 Young Shin Kang
- 2010 Michael L. Fanucce
- 2010 Deborah Taub
- 2009 Alison Brandon
- 2009 Joan B. Hirt
- 2009 Tracey Cameron
- 2008 No Recipient
- 2007 Mimi Benjamin
- 2006 Dennis Gregory
- 2006 Steven Janosik
- 2003 John Wesley Lowery
- 2003 Micheal Coomes
- 2002 Amy S. Hirschy
- 2002 Maureen E. Wilson
- 2001 Aaron White
- 2001 Michel Oullette
- 2000 Carolyn Palmer
- 2000 Rena Murphy
- 2000 Kelli Peck-Parrot
- 2000 Karine Seinke
- 1999 Kami Thomas
- 1999 Ken Stoner
- 1998 Yuhang Rong
- 1998 Robert Gable
- 1997 Gypsy Denzine
- 1996 David Popelka
- 1995 Roger Ballou
- 1995 Lisa Reavill
- 1995 Brian Schultz
- 1994 Kathleen Cairns
- 1993 William Zeller
- 1993 Robert Mosier
- 1992 Joseph Bonnic
- 1992 David Campbell
- 1992 William Frendenberger
- 1991 Valerie Kern
- 1991 Audrey Rentz
- 1990 William Zeller
- 1990 Kathy Kanz
- 1990 Karl Schneiter
- 1989 Earl Morris
- 1989 Donald Whalen
- 1988 John Clarke
- 1988 Keith Miser
- 1988 Alton Roberts
- 1987 Donald Whalen
- 1987 Mary White
- 1986 Harold Perl
- 1985 Scott Anchors
- 1985 John Hale, Jr.
- 1984 Stephen Paul
- 1984 Joseph Rei
- 1984 Ellen Ostrow
- 1984 Carol Shigetomi
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Recognizes an exceptional graduate assistant working in the campus housing profession. The recipient must be enrolled as a full-time master’s or doctoral student.
[Recipient list]
Past Recipients
- 2023 Madison Schulte
- 2022 Aliya F. Syed
- 2021 Trevis Belle
- 2020 Miyah Wilson
- 2019 Alysha Daley
Outstanding New Professional Student Award
Honors an emerging professional within the campus housing field who has served no more than three years in a full-time position.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Ashley Unmacht
- 2022 Marti Wein
- 2021 Kristina Callahan
- 2020 Emily Braught
- 2019 Olivia Moon
Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award
Recognizes a leader who has served five years or more in the student housing profession and who has made significant contributions to the field, the Association, and their home institution.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Sasha Masoomi
- 2022 Daniel Gonzalez
- 2021 Chris Flores
- 2020 Yettieve Marquez-Santana
- 2019 David Hibbler, Jr
Outstanding Corporate Friend Award
Recognizes corporate individuals who contribute to our association and our profession. Recipients must be a current Foundation Industry Partner with a minimum of three years of involvement with ACUHO-I. They must consistently demonstrate a sincere interest and participation in ACUHO-I, its mission, programs, and educational mission. This award is determined by ACUHO-I Foundation leadership.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Paul Wuennenberg
- 2022 Eric Moss
- 2021 Sherry Woosley
- 2020 Nancy Field
- 2019 Mark Koepsell
- 2018 Brad Noyes
- 2017 Steve Emer
- 2016 Ryan Majeres
- 2015 Diane Cline
- 2014 Andy McDade
- 2013 S. Michael Evans
- 2012 Stéphane Bélisle
- 2011 Joseph Pica
- 2010 Jason Wills
- 2009 No Recipient
- 2008 Jim Curtin
- 2007 Teri Bump
- 2006 Jane Wright
- 2005 Lee Thompson, Jr.
- 2004 Karen Gallagher
- 2003 Graham Bannister
- 2002 Duane Sauder
- 2001 Lyle Morse
- 2000 Howie Dumhart
- 1999 David Freytag
- 1998 Wayne Smith
- 1997 Devin Schain
- 1996 T.O. Allan
- 1995 Frank Safran
- 1994 Bob Bennett
- 1993 Margaret Terenzoni
- 1993 Lyle Morse
- 1992 Lee Thompson
S. Earl Thompson Award
Honors an individual who, though they may not be directly related to ACUHO-I, has nonetheless made a significant contribution to the campus housing field through their efforts. This award is determined by ACUHO-I Foundation leadership.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Ernest T. Pascarella & Patrick T. Terenzini
- 2022 M. Lee Upcraft
- 2021 Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas
- 2020 Diane Porter-Roberts
- 2019 Frances Lengowski
- 2018 Eric Luskin
- 2017 (No Recipient)
- 2016 Nadia Zhiri
- 2015 Ellen Heffernan
- 2014 (No Recipient)
- 2013 (No Recipient)
- 2012 Angela Powell
- 2011 Paul Wuennenberg
- 2010 (No Recipient)
- 2009 Linda Anderson
- 2008 Tony Cawthon
- 2007 Dave Butler
- 2006 Phyllis McCluskey-Titus
- 2005 Joseph A. Pica
- 2004 Maura Cullen
- 2003 Howie Dumhart
- 2002 Frank Safran
- 2001 No Recipient
- 2000 Mary Howard Hamilton
- 1999 John Schuh
- 1998 Carolyn Palmer
- 1997 Susan Komives
- 1996 No Recipient
- 1995 Lee Thompson
- 1994 David Kent
- 1993 Bob Rodgers
- 1992 T.O. Allan
- 1991 No Recipient
- 1990 No Recipient
- 1989 Donald Gehring
- 1988 Robert B. Stewart
- 1987 Charles Griffith
- 1987 D. Frances “Mickey” Finn