KACRAO Current The Newsletter of the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
Fall 1999 Issue

KACRAO Awards Recognize Role Makers in Our Profession

By Tom Green
Newman University
Editor, KACRAO Current

At this fall’s annual conference in Kansas City, we were reminded that the strength of our organization is found in the individuals who comprise it. Wednesday night’s Awards Banquet highlighted the leaders of our profession -- role models for all of us who aspire to careers in serving college students.

It is hard to imagine anyone with more passion about our organization than Gunile DeVault from K-State. Gunile was one of the original authors of our Constitution, building the framework under which we now operate as an organization. Gunile asks the tough questions. It is easy to sit back and agree, but it takes courage to challenge. Every strong organization has a Gunile DeVault, and she was a wonderful choice for the Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award.

Glenn Lygrisse of Tabor College possesses a calm integrity that makes you instantly like him. He is always able to see the bigger picture in a situation and offer advice and solutions that go beyond simply looking at a short-term reaction. His devotion to his faith is evidenced in the way that he interacts with others. He is always kind and positive. Glenn has that special ability to make you feel that your thoughts and ideas are important to him, never rushing an important discussion yet moving business along to get things done. Like Gunile, his years of experience show through in giving KACRAO the benefit of wisdom. How fitting that Glenn received the Dick Elkins Award this year.

Role models can come from our younger members, too. The Executive Council established a new award this year, The Outstanding Young Professional Award, to recognize and encourage new professionals to get involved with the organization. Heather Eckstein of Pittsburg State represents the bright future of our organization in its young leaders. She combines boundless enthusiasm with a sharp wit and strong organizational abilities. Heather represents the best of our young leaders, jumping in to be involved, taking on responsibility and getting the job done well. Our organization has a bright future with leaders like Heather Eckstein rising through the ranks.

These three professionals inspire us all to get involved, keep high standards, think beyond the short-term and challenge the status quo, not only in our professional organization but on our own campuses and in our own lives. And isn’t that what this is all about? Beyond that service we offer to students and counselors as an organization, we belong to KACRAO to learn from each other, to grow as professionals and improve ourselves and our institutions as a result.

Thank you, Gunile, Glenn and Heather, for giving us stars by which to steer our ships.

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