Region VII Newsletter: March 2024

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JOIN THE FUN ONLINE @ACUIREGIONVII

MARCH 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Updates from the Regional Director

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Reflections from the 2023 Regional Conference

05

Region VII Award Winners

06

Meet the 2024 Conference Planning Team

11

Save the Date: Upcoming 2024 Region VII Programs

15

Introducing the 2024 Regional Leadership Team

16

ACUI Glossary

20

Social Media Content Form

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the ACUI Region VII Newsletter, where I hope you’ll find everything you need to stay up to date on the happenings of Region VII. If you’re a seasoned ACUI Veteran, I hope you continue to find the community, connections, and development you’ve known for years. If you’re new to ACUI, I hope you, like me, realize how great of a family ACUI and Region VII can be in supporting your personal and professional development.

Inside this issue you’ll meet this year’s Regional Leadership Team and Conference Planning Team, all of whom are incredibly welcoming; so don’t be a stranger!

Say hi to us, ask us about how to volunteer, and take advantage of everything ACUI Region VII has to offer!

Zac Lomas Communications Coordinator, ACUI Region VII

Updates From the Regional Director Anthony Otero Regional Director Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Hola Mi Gente, Can you believe it’s March already? I feel like Black History Month just started and now we are approaching Spring Break. Time flies when we are doing the work and it makes me reflect on the last several years serving as your Regional Director. My time is almost up and I want to say that we have been on an amazing journey that has made me so happy to have shared it with you.

I would like to think that we have created incredible memories together. During my time we have been to the University of Maryland, the State University of New York at Binghamton, Rutgers University - New Brunswick, (with the pitstop at Montclair State University) and soon at West Chester

As we have gone from one place to another, I have noticed a theme: we have not lost our collective passion for the field. Despite a global pandemic and political turmoil, we have still managed to thrive within our little corner of higher education.

Our love for the field and its future remain bright with the vast number of young professionals and graduate students that continue to amaze me every time I meet them.

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University of Pennsylvania.

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Updates From the Regional Director

With that being said, I look forward to our remaining time together. I know that our future time spent at West Chester University will be just as amazing as our past experiences.

As I reach the sunset of my term, I am comforted with the knowledge that Region VII will remain as strong as ever. I am constantly inspired by the work that our regional leadership team continues to do in creating programs and ideas and trying to get people more engaged as we face challenges together. I am amazed by the past and current conference planning teams that continue to knock it out of the park, no matter the location. All these efforts have proven to me that the future is bright for ACUI and for our industry.

I encourage you to look out for new programs and new opportunities as I, once again, challenge the leadership teams to push past our former boundaries and create new experiences that will keep our members engaged.

I hope you enjoy this installment of the newsletter and I will see you when I see you.

Happy Women’s Herstory Month!

Muchas Gracias. Be healthy and safe.

Anthony Otero Region VII Director

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Reflections from the Region VII Conference Nick Kocieniewski 2023 Conference Chair SUNY Broome

The 2023 Region VII Conference was an amazing event. The Conference Planning Team (CPT) worked hard throughout 2023 to

I joined the CPT for the first time in 2020. For

make the event such a success, and I was

the four years I was a part of the CPT, the

honored to be the chair of the team. When

regular Zoom calls became the highlight of

we first met as a CPT in February of 2023, I

my week. For anyone on the fence about

had a few goals for the conference that were

volunteering and applying to be a part of

all exceeded. From the first Region VII

either the CPT or RLT (Regional Leadership

Conference Drag Show to raising almost

Team,) I cannot encourage you enough to

$3,000 for scholarships, I couldn't have been

take the chance. I promise you won't regret

happier with how the event turned out.

it.

ACUI has become my professional family

Regional Conference By the Numbers: 123 Attendees 28 Ed. Sessions $2,919 Raised for Scholarships ∞ Joy

over the years, and I cannot thank all the members of Region VII enough for being such a great community and making the 2023 Region VII Conference such a success.

It was truly a highlight of my career in student affairs to have been a part of such an amazing team.

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2023 Region VII Award Winners

Edgar A. Whiting Award As the highest Region VII honor, this award is presented to an outstanding member of Region VII who has consistently performed above and beyond the call of duty in their role within ACUI and in their institution(s). The individual has attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement on a regional basis through their work within the Association and on their campuses. They exemplify the core values of ACUI by demonstrating exceptional commitment and support of other colleagues and continually volunteering in regional activities, councils, and programs to help advance the mission of ACUI.

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Filip Pongratz Temple University

Joseph H. Benedict Award

This is an award that recognizes leadership, volunteer service and commitment to Region VII and the Association. The recognized individual will have 5–10 years of relevant career experience and displayed service, activism, and participation in the region and Association, while demonstrating an inspirational commitment to the college unions and student activities movement in addition to the mission and values of ACUI.

Casey Coleman Montclair State University

Outstanding Community Building Program This award recognizes any program that fosters the enhancement of the campus community. The nominated program will demonstrate clearly stated objectives, include assessment data and/or evaluation materials, and supporting documentation including publicity material, photographs, and/or student testimonials.

Nightmare on Clove Road Montclair State University Pg. 7

Outstanding New Professional Award This award is for an outstanding new professional who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement. The recognized individual will have served 5 years or less in the profession of college unions and/or student activities, demonstrated a support to the region and Association, positive impact on the community served, and commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated support to Region VII and/or the Association by their involvement.

Ryan Gillen Rutgers University

Outstanding Graduate Student This award is given to an outstanding graduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown exemplary performance in the college union/student activities field and/or commendable service to ACUI.

Alexis Robinson Rowan University

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Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field.

Maddison Chin Montclair State University

Congratulations to all of our outstanding award winners!

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Remember to Submit for Awards for 2024!

While next year’s conference feels far away, it’s never too early to start thinking about which colleagues, programs, or spaces you’ll nominate for a Region VII award. Make sure to start collecting documentation of events, assessment, and testimonials so you can make your case to be the next individual, office or event showcased in next year’s awards recap!

Scan Here to Learn More About all the Region VII Awards Offered!

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Meet the 2024 Conference Planning Team Kramer Clayton (She/Her/Hers) 2024 Conference Planning Chair The George Washington University Is a dog mom to the cutest dog in the world, Zoey! (see picture for proof)

Serafina Genise (She/Her/Hers) 2025 Conference Planning Chair Rutgers University - New Brunswick Just recently traveled to Amsterdam, Paris, and London!

She got to ring in 2024 in Paris at the Eiffel Tower!

Emily Inserra (She/Her/Hers) Education Coordinator Montclair State University Her favorite animals are manatees!

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Mustafa Sabuur (He/Him/His) Entertainment Coordinator Monmouth University He completed his first marathon in 2023!

Marla Ernest (She/Her/Hers) Fundraising Chair Rochester Institute of Technology English is not her first language. her native language is Creole from the island of Haiti.

Clayton Kolb (He/Him/His) Host Chair West Chester University He enjoys singing, musical theater, and can tap!

Christopher Bello (He/Him/His) Keynotes & All Conference Sessions Coordinator New Jersey Institute of Technology Hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

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Megan Herrmann (She/Her/Hers) Marketing & Communications Coordinator University of Delaware Her uncle is a professional Santa Claus!

Meghan Buckley (She/Her/Hers) Registration & Evaluation Coordinator Montclair State University Has watched New Girl about 10 times all the way through and can recite too many scenes from it.

Cass Lammers (She/Her/Hers) Student Experience Coordinator The George Washington University Has traveled to China and pet a tiger there!

Ryan Gillen (He/Him/His) Technology & Logistics Coordinator Rutgers University - New Brunswick He can draw a world map from memory!

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Mike Golze (He/Him/His) Vendor & Sponsorship Coordinator University of Maryland - College Park Even though he manages a bowling center, he is NOT a good bowler.

Travis Houtz (He/Him/His) Volunteer & Member Engagement Coordinator Shippensburg University His role at Shippensburg is operating 654 seat theatre, but his non-work hobby is performing theatre! He likes to do as many shows as possible and is currently learning to tapdance for his upcoming show: "Something Rotten"!

Ace Walker (He/They) Host Team West Chester University He loves all things technical theater. They genuinely get excited about new mics and speakers!

Barrett McGee (He/Him/His) Host Team West Chester University He’s a fiction writer. In October 2023, He finished the first draft of a novel and has been revising since!

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Jewel Karaisz (She/Her/Hers) Host Team Student Representative West Chester University She loves sports! She especially loves watching basketball and soccer!

Grad & Grow Institute

Save the date for Region VII Grad & Grow on July 25th from 9 AM to 4 PM at Rutgers University Camden. Registration and conference schedule coming soon!

Mental Health First Aid Training

Save the date for Region VII’s Mental Health First Training on June 27th from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at Montclair State University. Mental Health First Aid is an eight (8) hour course that teaches adults 18 years and older how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Certification for Mental Health First Aid lasts for three (3) years.

Registration information coming soon.

Region VII 2024 Regional Conference Join the region from November 7th - 9th at the beautiful West Chester University in Eastern Pennsylvania for the 2024 Regional Conference! Explore the beautiful campus, connect with colleagues, and learn something new. Keep an eye out for a call for educational sessions and registration information in the summer!

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Meet the 2024 Regional Leadership Team Anthony Otero (He/Him/His) Regional Director Rutgers University - New Brunswick He wrote a story in the Eisner Award winning graphic novel: Puerto Rico Strong

Kraemer Clayton (She/Her/Hers) 2024 Conference Planning Chair The George Washington University She is so so so excited for the 2024 Conference! She hopes to see you there!

Serafina Genise (She/Her/Hers) 2025 Conference Planning Chair Rutgers University - New Brunswick She knows the 2024 Regional Conference hasn't happened yet but she already wants you to start thinking about volunteering for the 2025 CPT!

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Adam Burgman (He/Him/His) Business Manager SUNY Downstate Health Sciences university Huge Comic Book person and attends NYCC every year!

Zac Lomas (He/Him/His) Communications Coordinator Rutgers University - New Brunswick Once was onstage with Sum 41 for their entire set at Warped Tour (and has the videos to prove it).

Dominic Hannon (He/Him/His) Communications Coordinator Daemen University Has seen the Dave Matthews Band 33 times across five different states!

Jennifer Keegin (She/Her/Hers) Recognition Coordinator Binghamton University Has lived in Bellingham, Birmingham and Binghamton.

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Antonio Talamo (He/Him/His) Educational Programs Coordinator Montclair State University Is on a mission to create the world's most perfect burger!

Eddie Seavers (He/Him/His) Inclusivity Coordinator Ramapo College Has run 14 marathons and ran the NYC half on March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day)!

Megan Waldrop (She/Her/Hers) Membership Experience Coordinator West Chester University She loves to travel! Her next trip abroad will be to Ireland in July!

Chrissie Taylor (She/Her/Hers) Student Involvement Coordinator Rutgers University - Camden When she was younger, she wanted to be a stand up comedian or a clown in the circus!

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Alexis Robinson (She/Her/Hers) Student Member Rowan University She has a Doberman!

Alex Comly (She/Her/Hers) Student Memberr Temple University Has 5 cats!

Interested in Volunteering?

While all positions on the Region VII Conference Planning Team for 2024 and the Regional Leadership Team are currently filled, volunteer opportunities will open back up in the fall.

We’re always looking to welcome new volunteers into the Region, so look out for those opportunities.

If you can’t wait until 2025 to volunteer, consider volunteering at the ACUI Annual Conference in Denver or at the Regional Conference at West Chester University!

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ACUI Glossary

We understand that sometimes folks in ACUI use acronyms or terms that not all members are familiar with. While we try our hardest to avoid this, you still may hear these terms and phrases and not be sure what they mean. To help everyone stay in-theknow, here is a glossary of commonly used ACUI acronyms or terms that you may hear in the future.

ACUI - The abbreviation for Association of College Unions International Annual Conference - Association-wide meeting held each year Board of Trustees - Volunteers that work on determining and advancing strategic directions, governing over long-term goals, representing the association to other members, and setting the tone for member experience.

The Bulletin - ACUI’s online member magazine.

CAS - Council for the Advancement of Standards CO - Central Office Community of Practice - A term referring to networks of members that share a common interest.

CPT - Conference Planning Team (team planning Regional conferences or could refer to Conference Program Team (team planning annual Conference) CUPSI - The abbreviation for College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational

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ERF - Education and Research Fund ILEAD® - Institute for Leadership Education and Development, I-LEAD® is ACUI’s premier student program, designed to emphasize the key concept areas of leadership, community development, and change.

IPDS - IPDS: New Professionals Orientation is an introduction to the profession that offers ample idea sharing, discussion of theory and skills, and opportunities to network.

RD - Regional Director. Regional directors serve as the chief administrator of their region, representing regional activities to other ACUI leaders and members.

Region VII - ACUI is broken down into eight separate regions that cover the globe. Region VII is made up of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland , New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Quebec.

RLT - Regional Leadership Team VDT - Volunteer Development Team

Want to be featured in the Newsletter or on Social Media?

As communication coordinators, Dom Hannon and I, have a goal to consistently provide our Region VII members with content about our members, events, student unions, and more.

However, we can’t do that without you!

Our members are the lifeblood of our Region and so we want to hear your stories, your successes, see your building, and more. To be featured just fill out our content form which can be found by scanning the QR code on this page.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

-Zac Lomas

Scan Here to Submit to Be Featured in the Newsletter or on Region VII’s Social Media Pg. 21