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Awards / Honors

NASPA honors Blanche Hughes, Student Affairs

June 4, 2012

The National Association for Student Affairs Administrators identified the following regional award winners during their conference last November. Region IV-W is made up of 11 states and multiple Canadian provinces.

Blanche Hughes was selected as the James J. Rhatigan Outstanding Dean

This award is presented to a dean who has sustained professional service in the area of student personnel work; showcases a high-level of competency in administrative skills; has merited stature among and support of students, faculty and fellow administrators on campus; has an innovative response in meeting varied and emerging needs of students; shows effectiveness in the development of junior staff members; has made significant contributions to the field though publications; and is a proven leader in community and university affairs. For the purposes of this award, nominees must be the Senior Student Affairs Officer.

Blanche Hughes is the Vice President for Student Affairs.  

Beau Johnson was selected as the Outstanding New Professional

This award is presented to an individual who has been in the profession less than five years, is a NASPA member and has made significant contributions to his or her campus, the regional organization and the profession.

Beau Johnson is the residence director for the Academic Village.

The Rose Campaign from Off-Campus Life won the Innovative Program award 

This award is presented to professionals who've developed and implemented a program that results in improved educational activities, services or management for an individual campus community or group of campus communities. Typically the program involves involves collaboration with other university departments, is adoptable by other institutions, demonstrates financial creativity or cost effectiveness, encourages diverse groups to participate and addresses a demonstrated need on campus.

This award coincides with a NASPA Excellence Award.

Rising Star Awards

The Rising Star Awards were created by NASPA IV-West to recognize achievement, involvement and potential in our emerging and future Student Affairs professionals.

Wil Galarza was selected as the Colorado Undergraduate Student Rising Star

This award showcases an undergraduate's involvement in campus activities and organizations, campus leadership; paraprofessional employment with Division of Student Affairs; and an intention to pursue a Student Affairs-related advanced degree.

Tony Pang was selected as the Colorado Graduate Student Rising Star

This award showcases a graduate student currently pursuing a master's or doctorate in a student affairs program, with the intention of pursuing a career within Student Affairs. It also highlights their involvement in campus activities and organizations and their campus leadership. The graduate student must be working as a paraprofessional or intern within Student Affairs Division.

Tony Pang graduated from the Student Affairs in Higher Education graduate program in May and currently works in the Lory Student Center Director’s office.

Zach Mercurio was selected as the Colorado New Professional Rising Star

This award recognizes a person who is employed in a full-time position with a student affairs division and has made a significant contribution to his campus.

Zach Mercurio is a coordinator for Preview Orientation in CSU's Orientation & Transition Programs.