The Social Activities Committee (SAC) at Hope College has again won the "Excellence in Programming Award" from the Mid America Region of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA).
A school may receive the honor at most every other year, and Hope was also recognized in 2004 and 2002. SAC has also received a variety of other awards from NACA through the years, including the national "Excellence in Programming Award" for 1994 for colleges and universities with 2,000 to 7,000 students.
This year's award was presented on Friday, Nov. 10, during the region's annual conference. The event was held on Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 9-11, at the Civic Center in Peoria, Ill., with some 900 delegates from 125 colleges and universities attending.
SAC was honored in the category for organizations with an annual programming budget of $75,000 and above. Criteria included effective use of resources, promotion of the program to students, student involvement in planning and implementation, clarity and achievement of the program's goals, and effective program evaluation.
SAC programs social activities of an all-campus nature, including Homecoming events; a weekly film series; a weekly coffeehouse; comedians and other entertainers; dances including the annual Fantasia formal; and off-campus trips for activities including a Chicago shopping trip, in anticipation of the holiday season, and professional athletic events.
The award, based on an initial written submission and then a presentation during the conference, recognizes SAC for its 2005-06 programming year. The directors of SAC last year were senior Jenny Shuck of Greencastle, Ind., and current seniors Kristi Orange of Plainfield, Ill., and Ryan Lincoln of Holland.
Current senior Kari Luenberger of Primghar, Iowa, and junior Sarah Oosterink of Jenison are SAC's directors this year and presented at this year's conference. Other presenters were juniors Katie Ester of Muncie, Ind., Katie Burkhardt of Muncie Ind., and Ana Frikker of Troy. The group's advisor is Ellen Awad, director of student activities at Hope.
Formed in 1960, NACA is the nation's largest collegiate organization for campus activities. NACA has nearly 1,200 member colleges and universities, and more than 600 associate member talent agencies, performers and product specialty firms working in the college market.
NACA members are grouped within seven regions in the U.S. The NACA Mid America Region includes colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Ohio and West Virginia. The region presents a variety of awards based on three budget levels: less than $35,000; $35,000 to $75,000; and $75,000 and above.