Awards, Honors & Grants

Member commitment has been the key to AACRAO's success as a national higher education association. Participation in the Association's programs enriches the profession and the individual and it is because of the contributions of members through service on committees and special projects that AACRAO has become a strong professional association. Beginning in 1959, AACRAO members have been recognized for their distinguished service to the association and the profession and this acknowledgment continues today.

*** 2012 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED ***

To nominate someone for any AACRAO award, please visit our award nomination system.

• The APEX Award for Student Success, sponsored by SunGard Higher Education, recognizes individuals for outstanding professional achievement in support of student success. SunGard awards $5,000, in the recipient's name, to a scholarship fund at his or her institution.
• The Award for Excellence in International Education is bestowed in recognition for the outstanding contributions an individual has given to the profession of international education.
• The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an active or retired AACRAO member for exceptional contributions to the profession in a volunteer capacity at the national level.
• The Elbert W. Ockerman State and Regional Professional Activity Award recognizes up to three outstanding state and regional activities. Each award winner receives a registration fee waiver for the Annual Meeting and a monetary prize of $500 each.
• The Exemplary New Member Award recognizes professionals who have, within the first five years of their membership, made an exceptional or unique contribution that demonstrates promise as a future AACRAO leader.
• The Founders Award for Leadership is presented for vision, leadership, and longevity of service to the profession.
• Honorary Membership is awarded in recognition of a member's active involvement and contribution to AACRAO.
• The Thomas A. Bilger Citation for Service is presented for service to AACRAO and is awarded to a member who has five or more years of service and has provided outstanding contributions to conferences and programs, special projects, task forces, committee assignments, or other positions.

Acknowledge Retiring Professionals

• If you know someone who is retiring from an AACRAO profession, please email jessicam@aacrao.org with the name of your retiring colleague and the following information: title, institution, address, and number of years in the profession. They will be recognized on the Annual Meeting rolling screen and will receive a certificate in the mail.

Recent Award Winners

Distinguished Service Award

• Virginia Johns

• Richard Skeel

APEX Award

• Margaret Bellon

• Mary Koskan

Excellence in International Education

• Cliff Sjogren

• Linda Kosene

Exemplary New Member

• Luke Schultheis

• Lee F. Furbeck

Founders Award for Leadership

• R. Gerald Pugh

• Dennis Dulniak

Thomas A. Bilger Citation for Service

• Dorene Root

• Robert Doolos

Honorary Membership

• Dennis Dulniak

• Gloria Nathanson

SEM Award of Excellence

• Scot Lingrell

• Jody Gordon