CSPA-NYS is proud to offer the following awards in recognition of outstanding student affairs practitioners and scholars working in New York State. These awards are presented at the CSPA-NYS Annual Conference each year and winners are announced via social media and the website following the conference.  The Awards Committee is comprised of CSPA-NYS members, Executive Board officers, and the President-Elect serving as committee chair.

Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Outstanding New Professional Award
Champion of Diversity & Inclusion Award
Eminence in Mentorship Award
Distinguished Service to the Profession Award
Dr. Daniel Bratton Award for Outstanding Service to the Association

Award Nominations

2024 Award Nominations are due by October 7th. Winners will be notified on Oct. 9th.

In order to nominate yourself or a colleague for a CSPA-NYS award, complete the Awards Nomination Form below. All submissions will be reviewed by our Awards Committee. If you wish to submit multiple nominations, please use a separate form for each nominee.  Candidates nominated for awards will be notified that they have been nominated for an award by CSPA-NYS and invited to attend the Awards Luncheon at the Annual Conference.  Candidates will not be notified as to what specific award they have been nominated for.

For questions, please email presidents@cspanys.org

Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Presented to a graduate student enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program in New York State related to college student personnel or related field, who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and service to their institution of study and/or internship/assistantship site.  The recipient is awarded with a one-year membership to CSPA-NYS.  Nominees for this award may not be a current full-time employee of an institution of higher education.  Nominations must be made by a professional who is a member of CSPA-NYS and/or serves as Director of a College Student Personnel Program, or a related program, within New York State.  

Past Recipients:  2023 - Denise Dawkins; 2022 - Emily Ziemba; 2021 - Nicole Darrow and Bancha Srikacha; 2020 - Alyssa Stephens; 2019 - Johanna Brozinsky; 2018 - Dominic Hannon and Elise Cain; 2017 - Chelsie Hinckley; 2016 - Jennifer Musone; 2015 - Hilda Myer-Post; 2013 - Kianna Thomas; 2012 - Loydes Vazquez; 2011 - Don Denz; 2010 - Stephanie Haynes; 2009 - LeAnne St. Gelais; 2006 - Michelle Utano; 2004 - Andrea Sturtevant; 2003 - Sara Bleiberg; 2002 - Janice Goca

Outstanding New Professional Award

Presented to a professional with no more than 5 years experience in the field of college student personnel administration who has made significant contributions or achievements while in their full-time role.  Nominee should demonstrate innovation, leadership, and/or service to their home institution and/or CSPA-NYS. Nominees must be a member of CSPA-NYS.

Past Recipients: 2023 - Nicole Posluszny; 2022 - no recipient; 2021 - Ian Wolf; 2020 - Thressa Zimmerman; 2019 - Brett Kane

Champion of Diversity & Inclusion Award

Presented to an individual or group that demonstrates competency and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the field of higher education.  Nominee(s) must demonstrate promotion of cultural awareness through education, celebration, open dialogue, and advocacy. Nominations must include at least one individual who is a member of CSPA-NYS.

Past Recipients: 2023 - Sarah Frank; 2022 - Renée Grant; 2021 - Sandra Buatti-Ramos; 2020 - no recipient; 2019 - Elaine Flowers and Jazmene Mosley

Eminence in Mentorship Award

Presented to a professional with at least 5 years experience in the field of higher education, who has made meritorious and sustained contributions to the personal, scholastic, or professional development of undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or professionals in the field.  Nominee or nominator must be a member of CSPA-NYS.

Past Recipients: 2023 - Laura Dulski; 2022 - Dr. Mark Harrington; 2021 - David Pruney; 2020 - Dr. Casey Jakubowski; 2019 - Dr. Timothy Ecklund

Distinguished Service to the Profession Award

Presented to a professional with more than 10 years of experience who has contributed considerably to the higher education profession.  Nominees must have made extensive efforts to impact change in student affairs practices in the State of New York through their work, mentorship, scholarship, research, consultation, presentations, and/or other involvements. Nominee or nominator must be a member of CSPA-NYS.

Past Recipients: 2023 - Dr. Mark Harrington; 2022 - Dr. Deborah Taub; 2021 - no recipient; 2020 - DJ Schier; 2019 - Dr. Amy Wilson

Dr. Daniel Bratton Award for Outstanding Service to the Association

Presented to an exemplary member of the College Student Personnel Association of New York State for outstanding service to the Association.  The nominee must be a member of the Association and have contributed exceptional service to CSPA-NYS. Dr. Daniel Bratton was the Chairman of the Organizing Committee that founded the NYS College Student Personnel Association in 1967. He was presented with “the first ACPA State Divisional Charter” for New York State on April 8, 1968, and served as the Association’s first President.

Past Recipients:  2023 - Laura Dulski; 2022 - Joe Grande; 2021 - Megan Wyett Lennon; 2020 - Dr. Logan Hazen; 2019 - Benjamin Fabian; 2018 - Doreen Hettich-Akins; 2017 - Ericka Smith-Schubart; 2015 - Jacob W. Sherry; 2014 - Dr. Peter Smith; 2013 - Dr. Amy Wilson; 2012 - Eileen Merberg; 2011 - Sarah Georger; 2010 - Kristin Skarie; 2009 - Brian Haggerty; 2008 - Matt Hinton; 2007 - Robin Diana; 2006 - Peter Fagan; 2005 - Leah Casselia; 2004 - Deb Pawlikowski; 2003 - Bill Kernan; 2002 - Eric Duchscherer; 2001 - Graham Knowles; 2000 - Marie Shuman