By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
Through our 2026 AACRAO Award winner interview series, we’ve shared the stories behind these honors, spotlighting the passion and purpose that drive our community forward. Now, we introduce our 12 grant and scholarship recipients and hear from some of our winners as they share the joys of attending AACRAO meetings, how these opportunities have impacted their careers, and why these awards matter.
Congratulations to the eight recipients of the highly competitive Conner Scholarship: Marcia Rosbury-Henne, M.Ed., Grace Harrell, Colleen Knapp, M.Ed., Lee Moua, Ed.D., Nicole Washington, M.Ed., Maggie Cano, Rickiea Cohen, and Wandy Cruz-Velazquez. They were selected from over 18,000 members for just ten available slots. This scholarship provides complimentary registration to our Annual Meeting, opening doors to invaluable learning, networking, and professional development opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
Congratulations to our four Tina Falkner Engagement Grant recipients: Ingrid Sorensen, BA ’15, MA, Luis Alarcon, M.A., M.Ed., Rapheale Gasaway, and Brandy Piner. This support ensures dedicated members can fulfill their professional obligations and contribute their expertise to our community’s growth, participating in committees, caucuses, and working groups in person despite financial constraints.
Conner Scholarship Award Winners
Marcia Rosbury-Henne, M.Ed., Vice President for Enrollment Management, PDSO, Mount Wachusett Community College
As a longtime member of AACRAO and past president of NEACRAO, the Annual Meeting feels like coming home. I met a mentor and friend through AACRAO several years ago whose guidance has shaped my career trajectory and supported me through pivotal moments. My advice: be open, talk to strangers, and ask for advice. This community is generous, and real connections grow from simple conversations.
Grace Harrell, Associate Director of Enrollment Communications, UNC Charlotte, Enrollment Programs & Communications
What excites me most about the AACRAO Annual Meeting is the opportunity to learn from peers across institutions who are doing innovative work to better serve students. As a first-time attendee, I’m especially excited to present alongside a colleague from UNC Charlotte and to bring back meaningful takeaways that can inform how we can continue to support our own students.
Colleen Knapp, M.Ed., Associate Director, Records & Registration, School of Graduate Studies, University of Maryland, Baltimore
I’ve enjoyed attending and volunteering locally with OACRAO and CAPACRAO, and as a first‑time AACRAO Annual Meeting attendee, I am excited to expand my professional network nationwide. I am looking forward to learning from registrar professionals facing similar challenges and opportunities. Engaging with AACRAO in this environment will be inspiring and energizing, offering fresh ideas and new technology for responding to current higher education challenges and shaping the future of our work.
Lee Moua, Ed.D., Assistant Provost for Academic Operations and Student Success, San Francisco Bay University
I am truly excited to be part of the AACRAO Annual Meeting and to connect with a community of higher education professionals who are deeply committed to advancing our field. Bringing together collaborative, forward-thinking leaders creates a strong environment to address shared challenges and develop innovative strategies for the future of higher education. I look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations, learning from colleagues across institutions, and contributing thoughtfully to this dynamic community.
Nicole Washington, M.Ed., Assistant Provost/Registrar, Hanover College
As a first-time attendee to AACRAO, I look forward to the experience of being surrounded by individuals who have a deep passion for Higher Education and are dedicated to developing skills needed to advance Registrar and Admission Offices.
AACRAO is filled with opportunities to “find your people!” From small college committees to peer mentors to technical groups. Each committee is filled with a range of professionals, from beginners to experts in the field. Joining a group is a great way to network and develop professionally.
Maggie Cano, Director of Recruitment, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
The energy. There is something powerful about being in a space where everyone cares deeply about the same work. The AACRAO Annual Meeting brings together people who truly understand the challenges and the impact of what we do in higher education. I am excited about the conversations in the hallways just as much as the sessions themselves!
I hope becoming involved with AACRAO will shape my professional growth. I want to expand my perspective beyond my own institution and help me see the bigger picture of our work nationally and globally. I want to gain mentors, collaborators, and friends who will challenge me to think bigger and lead better.
Rickiea Cohen, Assistant Registrar-Residency at the University of Maryland, Baltimore
As this will be my first time attending the Annual Meeting hosted by AACRAO, I am truly excited about the experience. I look forward to meeting new professionals in the field, building meaningful connections, and learning from the abundance of knowledge and insights that will be shared throughout the conference.
I am especially eager to engage in discussions, gain new perspectives, and bring back valuable information that can contribute to the work we are doing within mt office and the broader higher education community.
Tina Falkner Engagement Grant Winners
Ingrid Sorensen, B.A. ’15, M.A., University Registrar, School Certifying Official (SCO), Office of the Registrar, Concordia University
The opportunity to learn! I always take away knowledge I hadn’t considered before and am excited to share these new, great ideas with my team and colleagues.
My involvement in the Latinx Caucus has been extremely impactful. I’ve certainly discussed Registrar best practices with my colleagues during these sessions, but more importantly, I’ve made connections that span state lines (and that’s invaluable to me!). I never could have dreamed I would get to know such cool individuals doing great work a few years ago. I’m really thankful for the opportunity to join this community, and it’s one of my monthly highlights.
I’m an introvert, so I can attest—just try one out if you’re the slightest intrigued! I know from personal experience that it can be daunting to join a group that’s been in existence for a while. I learned about the Latinx Caucus at the Annual Meeting a few years ago, so I decided to attend a meeting, and the rest is history. Paige and the caucus members were so welcoming that I felt that I belonged immediately.
Luis Alarcon, M.A., M.Ed., Director of Recruitment & Admissions, Division of Student Services, Lincoln Land Community College
AACRAO has grounded my leadership in service, mentorship, and purpose. It has shaped how I show up for students, colleagues, and my community, especially those whose voices are often rendered invisible, neglected, or dismissed. Leadership is a collective act, not a solo one.
My advice: Show up curious, do not wait till you “feel ready,” and lead with generosity and authenticity. Community forms when you listen, serve authentically, and make room for others to belong.
Rapheale Gasaway, Associate Registrar (Policy & Operations), Office of the University Registrar, American University
What excites me most about the Annual Meeting is the chance to connect with colleagues who understand the unique challenges and rewards of registrar work. Having started in a front‑office role and grown into strategic leadership, I appreciate spaces for exchanging solutions, celebrating progress, and learning from each other, which fuels my commitment to improving the student experience.
AACRAO has shaped my professional growth by connecting me with peers who inspire me to keep improving the systems that support students. Coming from a background rooted in hands-on service and operational problem-solving, these connections have broadened my perspective and strengthened my leadership. Personally, it’s given me a sense of community among people who share my passion for student success.
Lean into your own story—whether you’re just starting in the front office like I did 20 years ago or leading major initiatives as I have also done in the last five years. Use it as a bridge to connect with others. Attend sessions that speak to your experiences, introduce yourself to presenters, and join conversations that spark your curiosity. AACRAO is full of people who have walked similar paths, and you’ll find your community by showing up authentically.
Brandy Piner, Senior Associate Registrar, Office of the University Registrar, The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center
The AACRAO Annual Meeting excites me because it offers meaningful professional development and the chance to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges. Early in my AACRAO journey, I heard Tina emphasize the importance of engaging and building relationships, and that advice has shaped my experience. My involvement—through committees, sessions, and volunteering—has strengthened my career and created lifelong friendships. I encourage others to get involved and find their community; AACRAO is a supportive network committed to student success.
share