Each year, the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) seizes the opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements within the housing field during its annual conference. This year, the conference took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, from November 6 to November 7. As stated on the official GLACUHO website, “Awards are presented for excellence in service, program development, diversity initiatives, graduate work, and various other categories.”
University Housing Services at Illinois State University takes immense pride in announcing the exceptional recognition garnered by two of its distinguished staff members at the prestigious GLACUHO conference. Tim McCue, area coordinator of Tri-Towers, and Dr. Jamie Neville, assistant director for facilities, both received esteemed awards, further solidifying their impact in the housing sector. McCue was honored with the Professional Development Award, while Dr. Neville was presented with the Outstanding Innovation in Facilities Award.
The GLACUHO awards serve as a platform for housing professionals to nominate deserving peers, colleagues, mentors, graduate students, departments, and individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched the housing field.
The Professional Development Award, awarded to McCue this year, is bestowed upon a GLACUHO member who has made significant personal contributions to the realm of professional development. Selection is based on the following criteria:
- Substantial contributions to professional development at both the nominee’s institution and within the profession, such as advising, supervising, mentoring, and acting as a positive role model.
- Implementation of projects and presentations that enhance the professional growth of individuals working at the nominee’s institution.
- Consistent engagement in stimulating the housing profession and the GLACUHO region through grant writing, presentations, publications, or research.
- Demonstrated experience in fostering inclusiveness and appreciation of diversity.
- Commitment to various facets of student development and Student Affairs as a whole.
- Active participation in GLACUHO, ACUHO-I, including committee involvement, leadership roles, and other volunteer positions, or engagement with professional organizations promoting training and development.
The Outstanding Innovation in Facilities Award, awarded to Dr. Neville this year, is conferred by the Facilities and Operations Committee and recognizes institutions in the GLACUHO region that have implemented groundbreaking residential facilities programs within the past year. Dr. Neville will be invited to present a webinar on his project in the near future. Selection is based on the following factors:
- Submission of a program summary detailing the nominated project.
- Demonstrated service to the students of the institution or region.
- Display of creative ideas and innovations in the application of the program.
- Assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the project.
- Evaluation of the program’s adaptability for use at other institutions.
- Examination of the project’s goals and the extent to which they were achieved.
- Description of the positive outcomes resulting from the project or program.
- Reflection on the lessons learned during the development and implementation of the program.
In sum, the GLACUHO awards are a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication exhibited by professionals in the housing field. These accolades not only honor McCue and Dr. Neville’s achievements but also inspire continued excellence and innovation within our community.