Jeni Eltink, Director of the Kirby Student Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth, was selected to receive the 2023 Susan Maul Distinguished Service Award from the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region V. ACUI is the professional home to thousands of campus community builders around the world and is primarily focused on the work of those within the college unions and student activities field. The University of Minnesota Duluth is a member of Region V, which encompasses seven US states and one Canadian province.
The Susan Maul Distinguished Service Award has long been established as the highest honor one can receive in Region V. The award recognizes individuals with a minimum of 10 years experience in the field who have attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement through their work within ACUI and on their campus.
Jeni was nominated by colleagues and former students from UMD and Region V who spoke of her as a role model and mentor to students and staff members, who leads by example; someone who is focused on the development of students and the overall student experience; and supports student voices and provides a safe venue for all. Nominators spoke of Jeni as a visionary who seeks to continuously improve the student experience and provide support to the professionals who have made student affairs their career. Jeni was recognized at the 2023 ACUI Region V Virtual Awards Ceremony on November 16, 2023 and will be further celebrated at the Regional Meeting during the ACUI Annual Conference, March 24-27, 2024 in Denver, CO.