Apperson Award

The Richard L. Apperson Award, named in honor of PCACAC's first president, is the association's highest honor presented to a PCACAC member.  It is awarded annually to a member whose career embodies the ideals of the association - providing extraordinary service to students, to PCACAC, and to the college counseling profession. 

2025 Apperson Award Winner: Robyn Lady

I am very grateful to be a part of this recognition knowing this individual has had a tremendous impact—not only on our field but also on me personally. This individual’s unwavering commitment to students, families, and fellow professionals has not only shaped countless futures but has also strengthened the foundation of this association.  Throughout their career, this person has been a leader, a coach, a mentor, an advocate, a problem solver, and—above all—a champion for students.

Read the entire tribute to Robyn Lady, shared by Rebekah LaPlante

2024 Apperson Award Winner: Jeff Smith

This individual has dedicated almost 40 years to the admissions profession across multiple colleges. Small, large, public, private, community college, 4 year. He’s also served as PCACAC President; a friend and mentor to dozens of professionals, many are here in this room today.

Read the entire tribute to Jeff Smith, shared by Calvin Wise.

2023 Apperson Award Winner: Kathleen Martin 

"My earliest memory of this year’s Apperson Award recipient was a visit to a school counseling office when I was an admissions officer at the University of Delaware. That office had somewhat mismatched furniture (the sort that advertisements like to call “gently used” furniture and what a famous Victorian novel called “Shabby Genteel”). It was comprised mostly of comfy couches and chairs – and rugs that must have seemed very inviting to students who were more inclined to sit on the floor. It was unusually colorful and decorated by someone who had a keen eye for making things visually exciting. 

Read the entire tribute to Kathleen Martin, shared by Lou Hirsh.

 2022 Apperson Award Winner: Anthony Ambrogi

When asked about his favorite part of the job – he once shared:

“I love puzzles and problem solving, and that defines a lot of the college search process. Each student I meet has their own puzzle to solve. Some are easier than others, some are familiar and others challenge me to expand my knowledge base. That’s the other fun part of the job – when you’re dealing with colleges and teenagers, there’s always something new and different to learn. 

Read the entire tribute to Anthony Ambrogi shared by Rebekah LaPlante, PCACAC Past President.

 
2021 Apperson Award Winner: Mildred Johnson

The diversity of her positions & her successes within the field of enrollment management are impressive. From Admissions Counselor at Averett University to Assistant Director of Academic Advising at University of North Carolina-Greensboro to Associate Vice Provost at Virginia Tech and lastly retired in July 2019 from her most recent role, Dean of Admissions at Radford University – This marked the end of an impressive 44-year career in higher education.

Read the entire tribute to Mildred Johnson shared by Rebekah LaPlante, Jake Talmage, and Robyn Lady.

Apperson Award Winners, 1973-present