The Founders Award is the Association’s highest honor, given to those individuals who, during the years, have given their time and talents in such a way as to contribute significantly to NACA. They have exemplified the standards of professional integrity and conduct, have achieved stature in their profession or academic pursuits, hold the esteem of colleagues and peers, and have worked to further the field of campus activities programming.
ELIGIBILITY: Nominees can be staff from member schools and associate members or individuals who were at an associate firm prior to retirement.
Nominees remain on a list for consideration for up to three years if they are not selected initially, and may be resubmitted at any time.
CRITERIA: Only members of the Association or someone who was a member prior to retirement may be nominated. A person who is a current Board of Director’s member is not eligible for consideration for the Founders Award. Names of individuals to be considered may be submitted in writing by any member of NACA at any time.
To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form and include the following as attachments:
- a letter of nomination listing the nominee’s activities with NACA, other leadership positions and contributions in their professional or academic life
- Three letters of recommendation should accompany the nomination
Nomination Deadline: November 1
Award Nomination Form
Following award selection, the NACA Foundation will launch a fundraising campaign in the recipient's name. The recipient will be asked to provide email addresses of colleagues so that the Foundation can reach out to those individuals announcing the campaign. Nominators will be asked to help contact colleagues of the recipient and to support the fundraising goal.
Past Recipients of the Founders Award
- 2023 - Jon Dooley
- 2023 - Ken Brill
- 2022 - Erin Morrell
- 2021 - Darrell Claiborne
- 2021 - Edie McCracken
- 2020 - Shelley Bannish
- 2020 - Harris Goldberg
- 2019 - Cecilia Brinker
- 2018 - Adam Peck
- 2017 - Thomas Faessel
- 2015 - Gayle Spencer
- 2015 - Cindy Kane
- 2014 - Michelle Delaney
- 2012 - Boyd Jones
- 2011 - Michael Miller
- 2010 - Greg Diekroeger
- 2009 - Christine Storck
- 2009 - Billye Potts
- 2008 - Steve Westbrook
- 2008 - Jan Arminio
- 2005 - Paul Shrode
- 2004 - Susette Redwine
- 2004 - Harvey Delaney
- 2003 - Mark Hall
- 2003 - Chuck Simpson
- 2002 - William Smedick
- 2002 - Ken Abrahams
- 2001 - Laura Puckett-Boler
- 2000 - Jackie Gordon
- 1999 - Myra Morgan
- 1999 - Linda Picklesimer
- 1998 - Mark Constantine
- 1997 - Kenneth Bedini
- 1996 - Rick Miller
- 1996 - Raymon Parker
- 1996 - beth triplett
- 1995 - Tamie Klumpyan
- 1995 - Charlotte Karges
- 1995 - Barbara Hubbard
- 1995 - Ann Hale
- 1994 - Tony Warner
- 1994 - Gail DiSabatino
- 1993 - Lou Ross
- 1993 - Karen Lacamera
- 1993 - Brian Johnson
- 1992 - Steve Slagle
- 1992 - Liz Silverstein
- 1992 - Larry Markley
- 1992 - Duane Anderson
- 1992 - Caryl Stern
- 1991 - Ronald Feldstein
- 1990 - Max Vest
- 1990 - Lee Peyton
- 1989 - Jimmy Fergueson
- 1989 - Gayle Yamauchi
- 1989 - Barry Drake
- 1988 - Allen De Hart
- 1987 - Sara Boatman
- 1987 - M. Fahey
- 1987 - Barbara Meyer
- 1986 - Richard Mais
- 1986 - Kandy Salas
- 1985 - Larry Berle
- 1985 - Dennis Pruitt
- 1985 - Ann Howell
- 1984 - Ron Laffitte
- 1984 - Kathleen Allen
- 1984 - Don Carter
- 1983 - Bill Fegan
- 1982 - Murray Becker
- 1982 - MaryJo Mertens
- 1981 - Charles Steadham, Jr.
- 1981 - Bruce Zimmerman
- 1980 - Ed Rubin
- 1979 - Thomas Matthews
- 1979 - Thom Curley
- 1979 - Joey Edmonds
- 1977 - Bob Heger
- 1977 - Bob Ehlert
- 1977 - Bob Busch
- 1976 - William Brattain
- 1976 - Bill Perrotta
- 1975 - Sandy Edwards
- 1975 - John Whitesell
- 1975 - Frank Harris
- 1974 - Glen Cassis
