Awards

We believe in recognizing the hard work and contributions of those in our profession and our Association. See more about each award below along with previous recipients.

Interested in nominating someone who deserves to be recognized? Submit this form to the Awards Committee! Winners will be announced at our Annual Conference in May.

  • This award recognizes an Admission Counseling professional who exemplifies excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college and/or the transition to another college/university. This representative should have exhibited sustained service in the college admissions field by providing exceptional support to students and peers, service to the Association or service to state, national or allied associations. Both the person nominating and the candidate must be members of NJACAC in good standing. In the nomination please include the candidate’s impact on the association or membership, and demonstrated innovation and initiative.

    Previous Recipients:

    2024: Lai Ara Powell

    2023: Grace Talian

    2022: John Cogan

    2019: Michael Cartusciello

    2018 Larry Alterman

  • This award recognizes a School Counselor who exemplifies excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college. This counselor should have exhibited sustained service in the college admissions field by providing exceptional support to students and peers, service to the Association or service to state, national or allied associations. Both the person nominating and the candidate​ must be members of NJACAC in good standing. In the nomination please include the candidate’s impact on the association or membership, and demonstrated innovation and initiative.

    Previous Recipients:

    2024: Nancy Ortiz

    2023: Laurie Sieminski Jammal

    2022: Aimee Thomson

    2021: Randy Stamm

    2019: Muleyke Fidan

    2018: Monica Mann

  • The Biunno-Lynes Award is the highest recognition NJACAC can bestow upon an executive board member (present or past) and recognizes one’s loyalty, dedication and extraordinary service to NJACAC. Past recipients have contributed greatly to the organization over the course of many years, having been elected to the Presidential cycle and other Executive Board positions, serving as active Chairs and/or members on standing Committees, and volunteering for multiple NJACAC-led programs and events. The Award is named in memory of Robert Biunno (1927-1976) and George Lynes (1937-2015), two prominent admission professionals who helped shape the profession and the growth of NJACAC.

    Previous Recipients:

    2024: Carlos Cano

    2021: Dana Lambert

    2020: Marianna Marchese

    2017: Melissa O’Sullivan

    2016: Cigus Vanni

    2015: Susan Makowski

    2013: Claire Cafaro

    2012: Nancy Hazelgrove

    2011: Susan Hatch

  • Given to an individual who has made exemplary contributions to NJACAC and the admission counseling profession over the course of the past academic fiscal year, recipients of this award are active participants on the Executive Board, leaders of standing committees, and/or participants in professional development activities through workshops and annual conferences. In previous years, recipients of this award have coordinated the annual Bus Tour program, planned the Meadowlands National College Fair, and made other significant contributions to the affiliate.

    Previous Recipients:

    2024: Chris Hoffman

    2023: Casandra Smith

    2022: Morgan Sim

    2021: Giovanna Flynn

    2019: Nicole Cibelli and Brian Switay

    2018: Danielle Toglia and Bernice Hornchak

    2017: Jose Vallejo

    2016: Elaine Freda

    2015: Dana Lambert

    2013: Jennifer Neuchterlein

  • This award recognizes admission counseling professionals and NJACAC members new to the profession who exemplify excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college. Further, the award encourages honorees to continue their professional development through active participation in NJACAC activities and programs.

    Previous Recipients:

    2024: Dylan Klim

    2023: Grant Tokarski

    2022: Mark Ruff

    2021: Sarah Morissette

    2019: Cherilyn Reynolds

    2018: Melissa Zolla

    2017: Reve Anderko

    2016: Julia Del Bagno

    2015: Lauren Livak

    2014: Jaclyn Rodrigues and Carolyn Ucci

    2013: Carlos Cano

  • Given to members who are retiring this calendar or school year, the Retiring Member Award recognizes the members’ significant contributions to NJACAC during their careers in college admission counseling as high school counselors, college admission officers or independent consultants.

    Previous Recipients:

    2024: Alisa Hogan

    2023: Bernice Hornchak

    2022: Cas Jakubik and Joanne Jakubik

    2021: Pamela Ghee and Fran Swift

    2019: Elaine Freda

    2017: Nancy Icenhower

    2016: Nancy Campbell

    2015: Rich Freccia

    2014: Barbara Cohen

    2013: Marianna Marchese

  • Conferred occasionally, the Friend of NJACAC Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding support of, and have been advocates for, the goals and objectives of the Association. Nominees for this award may be non-NJACAC affiliated college admission counseling professionals, as well as business, political, educational or community leaders whose contributions to our professional endeavors warrant special notice.

    Previous Recipients:

    2024: Kevin Hudson and StriveScan

    2023: Marcheta P. Evans, Ph.D.

    2022: Dr. Kara Ieva

    2019: Zakiya Smith Ellis

    2017: Christina Hamme Patterson

    2016: Joe Roberto

    2015: Rebecca Martin

    2014: Nancy Icenhower