UMN Morris Student Engagement & Events staff receive ACUI Region V awards

Sue Dieter

University of Minnesota Morris Student Engagement and Events (SEE) staff members Simón Franco and Elise Grabowska were honored with awards at the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region V Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Oct. 27-29, 2024.

Two individuals holding awards on a stage, with one wearing a red dress and the other in a gray blazer, both smiling.

Simón Franco received the Inspiring Vision award for Student Affairs Professionals.  This award honors an individual who has exemplified the mission, vision, and values of their home institution and ACUI. The recipient will have demonstrated one or more of the following qualities: a commitment to fostering environments that promote student learning and personal development; engaging in campus activities beyond their primary area; impacting others through excellence in service to the campus community; enhancing work-life quality in a significant way for colleagues and others; developing creative problem-solving solutions that enhance efficiency; consistently embodying their institution’s values; and showing dedication to the mission, vision, and values of ACUI. 

Elise Grabowska received the Rising Star award for New Professionals. This award is given to an outstanding new professional in college unions and/or student activities who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement. The nominated individual will have demonstrated a positive impact on the community served, and commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union. 

ABOUT ACUI

Founded in 1914, ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries. They are students and administrators whose mission is to build campus community. Students and professionals attended this conference from schools in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Manitoba.