Vern Solbach Award
The Vern Solbach Award was established in 1998 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to ACUI Region 14. This award honors the thirty-seven years of service made by Vern Solbach to the college union and student activities field and his more than thirty years of service to ACUI at the regional and international levels. The award acknowledges significant leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to Region 14. The recipient is announced at the Annual Regional Conference.
Award Criteria
Those nominated will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Evidence of significant ACUI regional and international leadership
- Sustained professional service in student union and/or student activities field
- Degree to which the individual is a role model for students and others in the profession
- Accumulative service to ACUI and Region 14 for ten or more years
- Nominee is from a Region 14 member institution
2009 Vern Solback Award
Presented by Jim Schuster at the 2009 Regional Conference.
“Vern made sure that new professionals met other people in the region, passed on the rich traditions of this region and was always willing to help in any way possible. Vern was that way with everyone. He embodied what this region was and should always be; a place where everyone is welcome, where there is mutual support and assistance and where everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.”
I am very pleased to be given the honor of recognizing the outstanding contributions that this year’s award winner has brought to the profession, the Association, and to the students of our Region.
I’d like to share some of the words of those who nominated this person:
"This person leads not only by virtue of position but more so by example. This person’s genuine interest in the people this person comes in contact with is refreshing, this person’s commitment to the organization and its’ mission is reflected in the many roles they have accepted and this person’s willingness to share knowledge and experience is deeply appreciated. This person is a mentor, confidant and advisor to students and colleagues alike. The wisdom and thoughtful approach to the challenges those in Student Life face are those of a true professional."
"I’m almost giddy thinking about this letter. I am often awed by this person’s leadership, kindness, intellect and gentle spirit. This person is committed to the college union ideal, the engagement of students, development of a strong staff, and the establishment of quality programs and services."
"As a mentor this person is beyond exceptional. The mentorship that this person provides shows just a small part of this person’s commitment to Region 14. In the last four years this person has willingly taken on volunteer roles to keep the business of the region moving along. This person provided valuable guidance to me, and I can say without a doubt that had it not been for this person, I might not have kept my sanity."
"I feel honored to be in support of this person’s nomination for this award. This person is one of those rare individuals who strives to be an excellent role model and is one who not only talks the talk but walks the walk. I think Vern would be especially pleased to see this person receive this award."
"This person regularly brings full-time and student staff together, acting as the catalyst for discussions by providing the framework and motivation for brainstorming sessions. She believes in empowering students to be the best they can be, and is personally responsible for encouraging many students to stay in school and graduate when discouragement of personal issues became a barrier. She always takes time to listen. Many former students come back to see her and stay in touch, and many credit her with encouraging them to not only finish school, but to go on to graduate school."
And so, with a sense of very great honor, I present the 2009 Vern Solbach award to my friend, Candy Holt, Director of the University Center at the University of Montana, Missoula.
Selection Process
An anonymous selection committee will be appointed by the Regional Director and will be chaired by the Membership Coordinator, Jessi Steward. The award will be presented at the Regional Conference and may not necessarily be awarded on a yearly basis.
The nomination process for 2010 will be posted in Fall 2010.
Download a nomination information form.
Previous Solbach Award Recipients
2009: Candy Holt, University of Montana
2008: Dean Bennett, North Idaho College
2007: Greg Hampton, Boise State University
2006: Kaycee Schilke, University of Montana
2005: Kitty Willis, University of Washington
2004: Lincoln Johnson, University of Washington
2002: Michael Henthorne, Oregon State University
1999: Jim Eustrom, Chemeketa Community College
