By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
Through our 2025 award winner interview series, we’ve shared the stories behind these honors, spotlighting the passion and purpose that drive our community forward. Now, we introduce our grant and scholarship recipients—11 members whose journeys reflect the transformative power of professional development and peer connection. In their own words, our grant and scholarship winners share the joys of attending AACRAO meetings, how these opportunities have impacted their careers, and why these awards matter.
Meet seven recipients of the highly competitive Conner Scholarship—selected from over 18,000 members for just ten available slots. This scholarship provides complimentary registration to our Annual Meeting, opening doors to invaluable learning, networking, and professional development opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
Hear also from four Tina Falkner Engagement Grant recipients. This support ensures dedicated members can fulfill their professional obligations and contribute their expertise to our community's growth, participating in committees, caucuses, and working groups in person despite financial constraints.
Conner Scholarship Award Winners
Anthony Reyes, Associate Registrar, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
This year is particularly special as a doctoral student eager to contribute to the scholarship in our field. I’m excited about the people, the learning, and the opportunity to grow, as well as the opportunity to build relationships that extend into scholarly collaboration. It’s inspiring to connect with professionals passionate about student success and institutional improvement. Ultimately, I am excited about serving—applying what we learn to better support students, colleagues, and institutions.
I deeply admire the AACRAO community. Being part of this network has been a powerful reminder that we’re never alone in our challenges, whatever the times, whatever the situation. Connecting with colleagues has reinforced the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, shared expertise, and solidarity. AACRAO provides a space for support, guidance, and professional growth. It has also strengthened my commitment to equity and student success while expanding my perspective on enrollment management.
Tasha Rivera, Director of One Stop Enrollment & Recruitment, PDSO International Students, Atlantic Cape Community College
I’m really looking forward to connecting with people who truly understand the challenges and rewards of our work in higher ed. Sharing ideas, hearing different perspectives, and learning new ways to support students always leaves me feeling inspired and re-energized. It’s not just about professional growth—it’s about being part of a community that’s passionate about making a difference.
Put yourself out there. Attend sessions that genuinely interest you and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations—you’d be surprised how many people are eager to connect. Some of my most valuable relationships started with a simple introduction. When you surround yourself with others who share your passion, you’ll find your community naturally.
Tara Kent, Registrar, Wagner College
What excites me most about the annual meeting is reconnecting with colleagues I've met over the years and building new professional relationships. It's also a great opportunity to learn fresh ideas and strategies that help improve student experiences and streamline processes.These meetings are also a great reminder of what it takes to be a leader. Hearing how others are facing similar challenges opens the door to creative problem-solving and shifting obstacles into opportunities.
Being involved with AACRAO has played a huge role in my professional growth. Higher education is constantly evolving—technologically, politically, and culturally. Staying on top of these changes is crucial to staying adaptable and informed to better serve our institutions holistically.
My biggest advice? Get involved. As an introvert, I know how easy it is to want to sit back and not engage. But over the past few years, I've challenged myself to lean into situations with a "yes, and" mindset—and it's been life-changing. I've grown tremendously, both personally and professionally, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
Rebecca Yarita, Associate Director of Advising and Transfer Coordination, Carl Sandburg College
Meeting kindred spirits is always uplifting for me. I have worked in admissions, registration, and advising formally and informally over the years. It is heartwarming to share successes with others who understand the efforts to get there. Sharing struggles with those who understand and have overcome similar struggles also has great value. My advice is to share your successes and struggles, listen to others’ successes and struggles to learn and grow professionally and personally.
Curtis Clock, Associate Registrar, Ball State University
I love reconnecting and catching up with colleagues nationwide to see how they are doing. The Annual Meeting also affords me the unique opportunity to connect AACRAO colleagues to folks who are attending the conference for the first time from my institution.
Being involved with AACRAO has inspired me to continue sharing information about passion areas such as process improvement and Gen Z. Making and maintaining connections also provides opportunities for having a built-in co-presenter. Thank you to Kelsey Simonson and Kristin Paintal for always being willing to present with me.
Come to a Caucus meeting. If you’re unsure where you fit in with AACRAO, come join us on a Tuesday afternoon for our regular Caucus Gathering. It’s a great opportunity to meet people in the same affinity group as you and discuss Registrar-y stuff.
Andrea Pool, Asst. Registrar-Policy & Operations, Oral Roberts University
I am so excited to have been selected as a Conner Scholarship recipient for the 110th AACRAO Annual Meeting. The connections I am making through AACRAO enrich my personal life, and the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded individuals has broadened the perspective of my professional life as well. The awareness of how we are each intertwined in this journey enhances every experience I get to be a part of.
Elissa Thoman, Associate Registrar, University of Iowa
The Annual Meeting excites me for its unparalleled networking opportunities, vibrant AACRAO communities like the Black and Women’s Caucuses, and committees such as Professional Access and Equity and Student Academic Records. These avenues for growth have expanded my network, fostered valuable relationships, and provided insights that have significantly boosted my career and personal development.
Tina Falkner Engagement Grant Winners
Henrietta Romero, University Registrar, New Mexico Highlands University
The annual meeting is a great way for me to network with various experts in my field—it has provided me with very useful connections, content experts, and others who contribute to our work with our communities. I am thankful for receiving the Tina Falkner Engagement Grant to attend. My involvement with the AACRAO Research Advisory Board has also helped me contribute to the critical reports and publications relevant to our profession. This has helped me develop a better sense of myself as an academic researcher.
Take advantage of your AACRAO community there are so many experts and people just like you that are looking for this same support. Don’t be shy, we are all friends at AACRAO.
Chris Dorsten, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management & University Registrar, Kent State University
The Annual Meeting is a great time to connect with colleagues worldwide and learn how your peers support students during these changing times. The Annual Meeting is also a time to reenergize for the coming year, AACRAO is truly the best community. The smiling faces and the love people share at the Annual Meeting are always exciting.
Do not be afraid to say hello to someone you do not know. Some of my closest connections from AACRAO are based on just saying, “Hello,” and “Where are you from?” Also, do not be afraid of all the hugs given at AACRAO. Tina Falkner’s hugs were the best. Lastly, try something new with AACRAO. The Caucuses are a great way to connect with the members of AACRAO.
The other thing I’d mention about receiving this grant is that Tina Falkner was one of the people who encouraged me to get more involved with AACRAO, as she was the AACRAO rep for the OACRAO Annual Meeting, I believe twice. Tina’s smile and willingness to talk to anyone made everyone feel included. I feel deeply honored to receive this grant and can only hope to carry on Tina’s love of AACRAO.
Margo Landy, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and University Registrar, San Francisco State University
AACRAO’s annual meeting is easily the most important and valuable professional development I have each year. It’s also the most fun and rewarding. Attending sessions keeps me current in my work and sets me up to bring back great ideas to my institution. As an introvert, I also appreciate and take advantage of the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone by presenting, something I highly recommend everyone consider.
Juan Perez, Director of Admissions, Salish Kootenai College
What gets me excited about the annual meeting is the professional development opportunities, networking, and the chance to catch up with folks who work in the registrars and admissions field.
My involvement in AACRAO gave me new insights into my job and gave me the opportunity to see what other people in enrollment services are doing. Too often, we get busy with our daily duties, and learning new ways of doing things can be put on the back burner, but through newsletters and various AACRAO communications, I see what else is happening out there. Also, my involvement allows me to talk with enrollment service professionals about our Tribal Colleges and native students. I've found people need to learn how to serve native students better, but don't know where to begin.
Take a chance to get involved with caucuses and communities within AACRAO. Sometimes it can be intimidating when you first start, but you will find that everyone is very welcoming. You'll be surprised how many similarities you have with members from other institutions.