Founders Award

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.

WHO CAN SUBMIT NOMINATIONS?

  • Any staff member with an active NACA membership

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
  • Optional: Additional supporting materials (i.e. letters, publicity, newspaper reviews, recognition, etc.). may be included.

Nomination Deadline: November 1

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 Award Recipients

2026 - Michelle Whited

2025 - Regina Young Hyatt

2024 - Dave DeAngelis

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