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.

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

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