AIMHO Awards - By Laura Bennett, Colorado College

In our profession, we are often so busy solving problems, providing solutions, implementing programs, and assessing our actions, that we seldom have time to celebrate the incredible things that we do. Through AIMHO’s award presentations, you have the opportunity to help share the story of an excellent employee or program that you have on your campus. There are awards presented at all levels and for all types of service in our profession- from undergraduate students to lifetime service awards. Please consider carving some time into your schedule to recognize and celebrate the efforts of someone on your campus.  Below is a summary of each award. Please visit the AIMHO webpage during the month of October to submit your nomination. All nominations are due October 31.

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

            This award is presented to an undergraduate student at an AIMHO member institution who has significantly contributed to the residential life program on his/her campus.

Outstanding Graduate Student

            This award is presented to a graduate student at an AIMHO member institution who has significantly contributed to the residential life program on his/her campus.

Mid-Level Professional

            This award is presented to an individual working at the managerial level at an AIMHO member institution and has significantly contributed to the residential life program on his/her campus.

Distinguished Service

            This award is designed to honor the quality work that is done on our campuses over longer periods of time. Each school may submit one nomination for this award annually. Nominees should have at least 5 years of service at their institution and contribute to the housing, residential life, or food services at the institution.

Outstanding AIMHO Service

            This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contribution to the AIMHO region through service as a committee member, committee chair, or executive board member during the past year.

Hot Topics

            This award is presented to the person, department, or organization that has created a program or process that excels in one of the following areas: improving services to residents, increasing employee motivation, improving communication or productivity, encouraging innovation, or speeding up decision making.

From the Awards and Recognition Committee

Based on feedback from last year, our committee developed a list of hints that we want to pass on to the region to improve the recognition we do at our annual conference.  In addition, we will be changing the presentation format to include an awards presentation on Wednesday at the conference, so that you can enjoy the company of your colleagues during the other meals. Here are some suggestions that can assist you in getting your school’s name out there at the awards presentation:

• Devote time for recognition. Our staff members do so many great things, the least we can do is take ½ an hour each week and discuss ways to recognize them.
• Collaborate on nominations. Two of us always know more than one of us. Have staff members pair up and write nominations.
• Look at what you do well. Spend a short time in a staff meeting talking about what you do well on your campus. Think about questions you get from listserves or from colleagues at other schools. Think back over the last year and pull out some key people and programs to discuss.
• Write the nomination that the work deserves. Spend time proofreading. Ask someone who is very passionate about a program or an employee to write part of the nomination. We often enjoy stories that are told well. Also, ask the nominee for an up to date resume well in advance.
• Don’t let the recognition end at AIMHO. Read the nomination in a staff meeting. We really can’t toot our own horns enough these days!
• Remember how great you really are. Many people may be scared by the words like “outstanding” or “hot topic”. Don’t underestimate what you do. Every campus has at least 1 great employee to recognize and 1 great hot topic to show off. Let everyone know it by submitting a nomination.

These awards help us to share the excellence within our region, to recognize exemplary efforts, and to showcase ourselves to others. Please consider submitting an award during the month of October.