By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
At the 111th AACRAO Annual Meeting, we continue our tradition of AACRAO Awards, recognizing those who have shaped our profession. Since 1959, AACRAO has honored individuals whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on higher education. Honorary Membership, one of our most distinguished recognitions, is given to retiring members who have demonstrated exceptional service to the association and the field. Recipients enjoy lifelong benefits, including free meeting registration and waived dues—a testament to their enduring importance to our community.
Looking back at your long-standing engagement with AACRAO, how does being named an Honorary Member this year add to the significance of last year’s Janie Barnett Distinguished Service Award?
The two awards represent a continuum, a complete timeline. The Janie Barnett Distinguished Service Award looks back on the efforts made to improve our profession and help our colleagues move forward within that profession. The Honorary Member Award, while based on past service, allows me to continue to engage and be a part of the future of our profession. I am honored to have been awarded both of these awards.
What has sustained your commitment to AACRAO and the profession over the years, and what advice would you offer to newer members considering getting involved?
AACRAO is a community. Our personal connections across the country provide the value. The skills and knowledge that we gain in this profession are unique to our roles in higher education records, registration, and admissions operations. Our focus is on students and helping them earn their degrees. Sharing ideas with people who have the same skill sets, knowledge, and passion helps us all move forward at a faster pace.
For our newer members, go and meet people. Sit and talk with someone new at lunch. Make connections. Forty years into your career, you will look back at the wonderful colleagues you have had the opportunity to know and realize all that you have learned from them.
Of all the roles you’ve held and contributions you’ve made to the profession, is there a moment or initiative you’re most proud of?
I am most proud of helping people move up within the profession. Knowing that there are people who are registrars today who I may have had a small part in helping – that is the best I could hope for.
What do you hope the future holds for the AACRAO and the next generation of leaders?
My hope is that we continue as an organization to create new bodies of work surrounding national topics that serve as guidance for our members and others outside of our profession. We have many opportunities to be on the leading edge. I hope that we continue to push forward as respected leaders in higher education.
Outside of work, what’s something you love to do that might surprise people who only know you through AACRAO?
I spend a large amount of time in the spring planting hundreds of flowers. Watching them grow all summer brings me a great deal of happiness.
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