December 3, 2013
Union staff members, student leaders and employees honored at regional conference
Staffers at the K-State Student Union returned from the Associated College Unions International Region 11 Conference at Emporia State University’s Memorial Union with several honors and awards. The conference was the last Region 11 conference before all member institutions are redistricted by the organization.
Several Union staff members, student leaders and student employees were recognized at the conference. The Outstanding Student Achievement Award was given to Nate Spriggs, Union Program Council vice president of operations and Union Governing Board president. This award recognizes an outstanding student of a Region 11 member institution who has shown exemplary performance in college union or student activities work. The former two-term student body president was nominated because of his involvement in several projects that have benefited the Union, including the passing of the Union renovation referendum, establishment of the Student Design Center, use of city-university funds to update maintenance needs in the building, creation of the Campus Entertainment Fund, review and increase of the Union privilege fee, increased budget to Powercat Financial Counseling and launch of the VIPcats campus entertainment program.
The Outstanding Staff Achievement Award was given to Audrey Taggart-Kagdis, assistant director, marketing, public relations and development. This award recognizes an outstanding staff person at a Region 11 member institution who has shown exemplary performance in college union or student activities work and commendable service to the organization within the past year. One nominator said, “It is exciting to see Audrey become so involved and energized by the Associated College Unions International. She has met many colleagues and has brought back ideas to share. When she talks about Associated College Unions International programs and events, she genuinely beams because she is so enthusiastic. Audrey is a caring person who has reached out to me to give support on a number of occasions.”
The William H. Smith Distinguished Service Award was given to Beth Bailey, assistant director, program manager. This award honors and recognizes longtime student union or student activities professionals from Region 11 who have made exceptional contributions and demonstrated a long-term commitment to the student union/student activities profession on their campuses and within the region. One of her nominators, Union director Bill Smirga said, “Beth is a true superstar in the college union field, an incredible advisor and a tremendous asset to the K-State Student Union. She is selfless in the time she devotes to Associated College Unions International projects and to her responsibilities as assistant director of the Union. Her accomplishments go far beyond what is expected of her.”