Two staff members at the Arkansas Union recently received regional awards from the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). The awards were presented at the ACUI Region II Virtual Conference in November.

Arkansas Union Associate Director Emilie Hook received the William H. Smith Outstanding Professional Award. The award is presented annually to a staff member within Region II who has made exceptional contributions and demonstrated significant commitment to the college union on their campus and within ACUI. Hook's nominators noted her diligent work throughout the Arkansas Union, her tireless efforts with staff training and development, and her incredible planning of the 2019 Region II conference held at the Arkansas Union.

Additionally, Arkansas Union Lead Student Worker Ashton Thompson received the Rising Star Undergraduate Award. The award is presented annually to an undergraduate student within Region II who makes significant contributions through employment, volunteering, programming, and other union-related activities. Thompson's nominators noted her instrumental work in leading the Union student worker team, creating new team training programs, and helping student employees adapt and implement new COVID-19 related policies and procedures.

Arkansas Union Director Rob Stagni expressed his pride in both award recipients. "We have an outstanding team at the Union, and both Emilie & Ashton are highly deserving of these honors" Stagni said. "It's nice when our team members get the recognition they deserve from their peers, both on-campus and through our professional associations."

Both Hook and Thompson will be recognized again at the ACUI Virtual Conference this upcoming March. All University of Arkansas students, faculty, and staff are eligible to attend this conference at no cost. Information about the conference can be found at https://www.acui.org/2021.

The Arkansas Union is a department within the Division of Student Affairs.

About the Arkansas Union: As the living room of campus, the Arkansas Union offers an open and inclusive atmosphere for gathering, learning, and engaging in the campus community. The site of over 10,000 annual events and reservations, the Arkansas Union seeks to satisfy the ever-changing needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests by providing professional services and supporting unique and diverse programs.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, and health care resources, and we create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.