Region II Newsletter: December 2022

Message from the Regional Director

Hello, Region II.

While not every corner of our region might see the leaves change, we can all appreciate the change in attitude that comes with making it this far into the fall semester. And what better way to signify that than having our yearly Region II Conference? Being in Huntsville a few weeks ago with everyone felt as much like “old times” again as I’ve felt in a while. The people, the educational sessions, the hugs… everything that keeps my ACUI battery topped off was there. With a special thanks to the Sam Houston State team and the Conference Planning Team, I was delighted to see such a wonderful mix of familiar and new faces.

The post-conference rush leads to the next great initiative of our region: recruiting the next team of volunteers. Applications are open now for both 2023 Conference Planning Team positions, as well as spots on the Regional Leadership Team. Volunteering with ACUI has been the most instructive and connected piece of my professional life, and I hope that you’ll give though to considering yourself or others for such roles as well. Our Region II website has all the information, but I am happy to chat with anyone about the opportunities that exist.

And outside of our region, ACUI is gearing up for the ever-popular Annual Conference. With so many opportunities to give, learn, lead, and have fun, what more could anyone want in a professional association? I hope each of you reading this knows that you’re at home here – and if home should be updated, let’s update it together.

-Rob Stagni, Regional Director

Regional Conference Recap

We are still hyped up from our regional conference and were thrilled to see so many of your there! From insightful keynotes and educational sessions to networking and fun late night socials, it was an engaging, educational experience. We hope that those who attended have already taken ideas and connections back to your campuses to put The New U into action.

In true Region II fashion, we raised $1,028.00 for regional scholarships which will provide funds for others to attend ACUI educational opportunities.

Regional Awards

Rising Star Undergraduate Student Gabrielle Gies University of Arkansas

The award recognizes student union or student activities students who have made significant contributions through employment, volunteering, programming, and/or other union-related activities.

Rising Star Graduate Student Abigail (Abby) Garcia University of Houston

The award recognizes student union or student activities students who have made significant contributions through employment, volunteering, programming, and/or other union-related activities.

Bernard Pitts Role of the College Union Award University of Central Missouri The Union Experience

This award recognizes an institution that has planned, implemented, and evaluated an outstanding program or service that embodies ACUI's Role of the College Union statement.

Regional Awards

Shirley Plakidas New Professional Award

Caleb Eubanks University of Central Missouri

Recognizes a student union or student activities professional who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of ACUI during their first five years of service in the region.

William H. Smith Outstanding Professional Award Dr. Katheryn (Kat) Paynter Texas A&M University Corpus-Christi

The award honors professionals who have made exceptional contributions and demonstrated a significant commitment to the student union/student activities profession on their campuses and in ACUI.

Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Equity Award (DICE) University of Central Missouri PULSE-W

The DICE Award aims to recognize a program that has helped advance the ACUI’s core values of diversity and inclusion.

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Shirley Bird Perry Distinguished Service Award

Laura Bates Truman State University

The award is the highest honor presented by Region II. It is designed to recognize a member of the region who has made a significant sustained contribution to the advancement of ACUI.

Union Highlight

This month's Union Highlight is our very own regional conference host institution, Sam Houston State University.

The Lowman Student Center creates and inspires community building by providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment. As soon as you step into the beautiful, recently expanded and renovated facility, you are greeted by their Bearkats Belong campaign that is woven throughout the building. Anyone walking through the building will know that they belong.

The impressive Orange Ballroom was the hub of our conference activities and their team really knocked our socks off showing us all that this space can do, including dynamic lighting for that wow factor. Finally, we'd like to recognize the Lowman Student Center team who made the conference planning process a breeze and were there for everything we needed throughout the event.