The Social Activities Committee (SAC) at Hope College has won the "Excellence in Programming Award" from the Mid America Region of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA).
The award was presented on Saturday, Nov. 3, during the region's annual conference. The event was held on Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, at the Grand Center in Grand Rapids, with some 1,300 delegates from 137 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.
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. The other winner of an "Excellence in Programming Award" this year was the University of Akron, in the $35,000-$75,000 category.
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 skiing, and to locations such as amusement parks and other sites of interest.
The award, based on an initial written submission and then a presentation during the conference, recognizes SAC for its 2001-02 programming year. The directors of SAC last year were current seniors Mary Chambers of Holland and Carrie Williams of Grand Haven. Chambers and junior Sara Barber of Grand Rapids are SAC's directors this year. The group's advisor is Diana Breclaw, 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.