NACAS Education Foundation Announces 2015 Mereese Ladson Diversity Scholarship Recipients

NACAS Education Foundation Announces 2015 Mereese Ladson Diversity Scholarship Recipients

Charlottesville, VA (May 22, 2015) – NACAS Education Foundation, a non-profit corporation that promotes the auxiliary services profession through NACAS, announced today they have awarded the 2015 Mereese Ladson Diversity Scholarship to Gino Galutera, director of auxiliary technology at The Citadel, and Danielle Sims, area coordinator at the University of Mississippi.

“The Foundation is honored to be able to award this scholarship to two exceptional candidates,” said Matt Sirinek, president of the NACAS Education Foundation. “The contributions from the NACAS East region and individual donors have made this fund a success. The Foundation is pleased to be able to continue to honor Mereese Ladson through this tribute to her exceptional leadership in the auxiliary services community. Congratulations to the 2015 Mereese Ladson Diversity Scholarship recipients!”

The Mereese Ladson Diversity Scholarship was established in 2005 in honor of the late Mereese Ladson, controller at Brooklyn College. Ms. Ladson was a president and long-time leader of NACAS East and a great friend to the entire Association. This scholarship is intended to further her work to promote the advancement of diverse, career-minded higher education professionals.

“The NACAS East Region is honored to once again pay tribute to Mereese Ladson, a leader revered for her enthusiasm and perseverance.” Said Rita LaRue, president of the NACAS East Region. “The Mereese Ladson Diversity Scholarship known for fostering growth, development and recognition to aspiring professionals is celebrating its 10th year memorializing a dear friend to the auxiliary services community.  This year’s recipients, Mr. Galutera and Ms. Sims, are notable in their professionalism and positivity, and I congratulate them on their awards and wish them luck in their future endeavors.”

Gino Galutera, director of auxiliary technology services at The Citadel, has had a desire to help others ever since he was a small boy growing up in the Philippines. His job responsibilities include the overseeing of campus cards, vending, and printing. “Each one presents unique challenges. Sometimes machines break and technology falters, but, in the end of the day, as long as you help others and have fun along the way, everything will fall into place”. Gino’s passion for purpose, and desire to help others, are evident in how he the way he has chosen to live his life, “Nothing is more satisfying to me than knowing I was able to help someone, and having those experiences and memories makes me strong”.

Danielle Sims, area coordinator at the University of Mississippi, is a student affairs professional with a desire to serve others. Her responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of multiple residential communities, supply and programming budgets, and the development of community learning plans through the residential curriculum. Danielle strives to emulate the values of leadership development and inclusiveness of all people, cultures, and nations. Her passion for social justice has led her to be involved in the University of Mississippi’s housing committee for diversity, social justice and inclusion. “At each institution I have been employed at, I have made it [my] goal to be an advocate and leader for students and staff who feel marginalized”.

About NACAS Education Foundation
NACAS Education Foundation is a non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) corporation formed to support and promote the auxiliary and ancillary services profession through NACAS. Through the support of members and business partners, the NACAS Education Foundation funds professional development programs, research, scholarships, and the CASP certification.
For more information visit: https://nacas.org/about/foundation/

About NACAS
NACAS (National Association of College Auxiliary Services), headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., is a nonprofit higher education association serving auxiliary services, student support services, and ancillary services professionals at 4-year and 2-year colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and Asia. NACAS provides extensive opportunities for members to share ideas, develop business solutions, enhance programs and revenues, and develop meaningful professional relationships.
For more information visit: nacas.org

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