WACUHO Awards
WACUHO’s awards celebrate the people and institutions whose leadership, service, mentorship, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthen our Association and the housing profession. Our recognition awards honor meaningful contributions, while our scholarships help members access conferences, training institutes, and opportunities for professional growth.
Explore the awards below to learn about eligibility and selection, find opportunities to support your development, and celebrate the recipients whose contributions make a difference in our community.
Application / Nomination
Learn about the Awards
Leadership, Service & Recognition Awards
Celebrating the people and institutions who strengthen our community.
Charles L. Miller Award
Plaque + $250 honorary donation + banquet guest
The Charles L. Miller Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, dedication, and service make a lasting difference to WACUHO, their colleagues, and the students the Association serves.
Named in memory of Charles “Charlie” L. Miller, the Association’s 30th president, the award honors his legacy of professional dedication, outstanding leadership, mentorship, and humor. It celebrates individuals who, like Charlie, strengthen the Association and positively influence the lives of others.
The recipient receives a plaque and one additional place at the awards banquet. WACUHO also makes a $250 donation to the ACUHO-I Foundation of Excellence in the recipient’s honor.
Nominations must include two to three letters of recommendation submitted to the Awards & Recognition Committee.
DEI Advocacy Award
$100 award
The DEI Advocacy Award, or otherwise known as the Individual Diversity Advancement Award, recognizes an individual’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. This $100 award may support diversity-related resources or professional development, be directed to the recipient’s institution for their professional development, or be donated to a diversity-related community or nonprofit organization in the names of WACUHO and the recipient.
Recipients who use the funds for resources or professional development must submit an article to WAVES within one calendar year describing how they used the award and its impact.
Elevating Equity Award
$200 award
The Elevating Equity Award recognizes an institution’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. This $200 award may support diversity-related resources or staff development, or be donated to a diversity-related community or nonprofit organization in the names of WACUHO and the institution.
Institutions using the award for resources or staff development must submit an article to WAVES within one calendar year describing how they used the funds and their impact.
Jim “JB” Brock Spirit of WACUHO Award
Recognition plaque
The Jim “JB” Brock Spirit of WACUHO Award honors an Association member whose significant contributions reflect the ideals of partnership, teamwork, and imagination.
Named for Jim “JB” Brock, WACUHO’s 40th president, who served from 1996 to 1997, the award celebrates his three decades of service to the Association. Known for his infectious laugh, welcoming spirit, and enthusiastic mentorship, JB helped generations of professionals and colleagues feel valued and supported.
The Executive Board selects a recipient whose contributions reflect JB’s legacy. The award includes a plaque.
R.W. Gang Award
Plaque + $250 honorary donation
The R.W. Gang Award honors the enthusiasm, dedication, and lasting relationships that strengthen the WACUHO community. Named in memory of the Association’s 12th president, the award reflects R.W.’s service as both a university housing professional and a corporate partner.
The recipient receives a plaque, and WACUHO makes a $250 donation to the ACUHO-I Foundation of Excellence in their honor. The award is administered through Corporate Partners & Exhibits.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Recognition plaque
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a committee member whose service makes a significant contribution to a WACUHO committee’s success. It celebrates the dedication, initiative, and behind-the-scenes work that help committees accomplish their goals and serve the Association. Committee chairs recognize outstanding volunteers through this award, which includes a plaque.
Scholarship Awards
Supporting access to conferences, training, and professional growth.
Joan F. Mortell Women of WACUHO Award
$650 toward WACE attendance
The Joan F. Mortell Women of WACUHO Award supports an Association member who advances the development, mentorship, and professional growth of women. One $650 award is available to assist with registration, travel, and lodging for the WACUHO Annual Conference and Exposition (WACE).
The Women of WACUHO Committee selects the recipient based on what the applicant hopes to gain from attending WACE and contribute to the conference community. Funds are provided through reimbursement.
John Yarborough Award: ACUHO-I Annual Conference Scholarship
$1,000 toward ACUHO-I conference attendance
The John Yarborough Award provides a $1,000 scholarship, funded by ACUHO-I, to help offset the cost of attending the ACUHO-I Annual Conference and Exposition. Applications are administered through the WACUHO Executive Board.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Be a professional of color.
Work at a small college or university.
Be a new professional with three years or less of experience in a full-time professional position.
Historically, the John Yarborough/Best of the West recognition has honored the top program presenter or presenters at WACUHO’s annual conference. Selection was based on evaluation scores reflecting presenter knowledge and outstanding session content and design.
New Professional Annual Conference and Exposition Awards
$650 per recipient · Two awards available
The New Professional Annual Conference and Exposition Awards help new professionals attend WACE and connect with colleagues across the region. The New Professionals Committee selects two recipients, each receiving $650. Funds cover conference registration, with any remaining balance available for lodging or travel expenses.
Outstanding Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
$650 toward WACE attendance + plaque
The Outstanding Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to advancing DEI within their institution or community.
Selected by the DEI Committee, the recipient receives a plaque and a $650 award toward WACE registration, with any remaining balance available for conference lodging or travel. The recipient must present a program on a diversity-related topic at WACE.