Region VII Newsletter: March 2024

InThisIssue: Updates from the Regional Director RegionalConferenceRecap 2024 Conference Planning Team & Regional Leadership TeamIntroductions Grad&Grow2024 AndMore!

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!

Updates From the Regional Director

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 University of Pennsylvania

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

(Continued on Pg. 4)

Anthony Otero

Regional Director Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Updates From the R i l i

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

future time spent at West Chester University will be just as amazing as our past experiences

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

Reflectionsfromthe RegionVIIConference

The 2023 Region VII Conference was an amazing event. The Conference Planning Team (CPT) worked hard throughout 2023 to make the event such a success, and I was honored to be the chair of the team When we first met as a CPT in February of 2023, I had a few goals for the conference that were all exceeded. From the first Region VII Conference Drag Show to raising almost $3,000 for scholarships, I couldn't have been happier with how the event turned out

ACUI has become my professional family 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.

I joined the CPT for the first time in 2020 For the four years I was a part of the CPT, the regular Zoom calls became the highlight of my week For anyone on the fence about volunteering and applying to be a part of either the CPT or RLT (Regional Leadership Team,) I cannot encourage you enough to take the chance I promise you won't regret it.

123 Attendees

Ed. Sessions $2,919 Raised for Scholarships

Nick Kocieniewski

2023 Conference Chair

SUNY Broome

2023RegionVII AwardWinners

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.

Temple University

Filip Pongratz

Casey Coleman

Montclair State 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.

Nightmare on Clove Road

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.

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

Maddison Chin

Montclair State University

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.

Congratulations to all of our outstanding award winners!

RemembertoSubmit forAwardsfor2024!

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!

Meetthe2024Conference PlanningTeam

2024 Conference Planning Chair

The George Washington University

Is a dog mom to the cutest dog in the world, Zoey! (see picture for proof)

SerafinaGenise(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!

EmilyInserra(She/Her/Hers)

Education Coordinator

Montclair State University

Her favorite animals are manatees!

KramerClayton(She/Her/Hers)

MustafaSabuur(He/Him/His)

Entertainment Coordinator

Monmouth University

He completed his first marathon in 2023!

Host Chair

West Chester University

MarlaE

Fundraising Chair

Rochester Institute of Technology

English is not her first language. her native language is Creole from the island of Haiti.

He enjoys singing, musical theater, and can tap!

Keynotes & All Conference Sessions Coordinator

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

ChristopherBello(He/Him/His)

ClaytonKolb(He/Him/His)

MeghanBuckley(She/Her/Hers)

Registration & Evaluation Coordinator

Montclair State University

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

University of Delaware

Her uncle is a professional Santa Claus!

Has watched New Girl about 10 times all the way through and can recite too many scenes from it.

RyanGillen(He/Him/His)

Technology & Logistics Coordinator

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

He can draw a world map from memory!

Student Experience Coordinator

The George Washington University

Has traveled to China and pet a tiger there!

MeganHerrmann(She/Her/Hers)

CassLammers(She/Her/Hers)

MikeGolze(He/Him/His)

Vendor & Sponsorship Coordinator

University of Maryland - College Park

Even though he manages a bowling center, he is NOT a good bowler.

TravisHoutz(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"!

AceWalker(He/They)

Host Team

West Chester University

He loves all things technical theater They genuinely get excited about new mics and speakers!

BarrettMcGee(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!

JewelKaraisz(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 UniversityCamden. 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!

Meetthe2024Regional LeadershipTeam

AnthonyOtero(He/Him/His)

Regional Director

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

He wrote a story in the Eisner Award winning graphic novel: Puerto Rico Strong

KraemerClayton(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!

SerafinaGenise(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!

Business Manager

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences university

Huge Comic Book person and attends NYCC every year!

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).

Communications Coordinator

Daemen University

Has seen the Dave Matthews Band 33 times across five different states!

Recognition Coordinator

Binghamton University

Has lived in Bellingham, Birmingham and Binghamton.

ZacLomas(He/Him/His)

JenniferKeegin(She/Her/Hers)

DominicHannon(He/Him/His)

AdamBurgman(He/Him/His)

AntonioTalamo(He/Him/His)

Educational Programs Coordinator

Montclair State University

Is on a mission to create the world's most perfect burger!

Inclusivity Coordinator

Ramapo College

Has run 14 marathons and ran the NYC half on March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day)!

MeganWaldrop(She/Her/Hers)

Membership Experience Coordinator

West Chester University

She loves to travel! Her next trip abroad will be to Ireland in July!

Student Involvement Coordinator

Rutgers University - Camden

When she was younger, she wanted to be a stand up comedian or a clown in the circus!

ChrissieTaylor(She/Her/Hers)

EddieSeavers(He/Him/His)

Student Memberr

Temple University

Has 5 cats!

Student Member

Rowan University

She has a Doberman!

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!

AlexComly(She/Her/Hers)

AlexisRobinson(She/Her/Hers)

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

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

Wanttobefeaturedinthe NewsletteroronSocialMedia?

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