The vision award identifies and extends our sincere appreciation to the individuals in the history of the K-State Student Union whose efforts, commitment, influence and dreams energized the growth and service of our student union.

2023 Recipient

William "Bill" Smriga, former K-State Student Union Executive Director

As the Union Executive Director, Smriga led the successful $32 million renovation of the facility from 2015 to 2017 and brought the Union into a budget surplus during his service. Under his leadership, the Union established a new catering model, increased community groups and established more scholarships and benefits for employees.

By prioritizing students and education, Smriga fostered leadership experience, educational opportunities and a diverse Union community.

Smriga’s service to higher education is extensive. Before coming to K-State, he was the director of the Memorial Union and Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University, associate director of Student Auxiliary Services at the University of Missouri in Columbia, director of Valparaiso University Student Union, and assistant program director for Indiana Memorial Union at Indiana University.

He received his post master's certificate of Advanced Studies in Organization from Loyola University, and a master's degree in college student personnel administration and bachelor's degree in arts and sciences, both from Indiana University.

In addition to awards and invited presentations, he has served in numerous community service and professional leadership positions, including host director for the Big 12 Union Directors' Meeting in 2013 and years of work with the Association of College Unions International.

Past Recipients

2023: William "Bill" Smriga, sixth Union executive director

2022: Cindy Bontrager, vice president, chief operations officer

2021: Bill Muir, UGB ex-officio

2019: Bernard J. Pitts, fifth Union executive director

2018: Jack Connaughton, Union associate director

2017: Jack Sills, fourth Union executive director

2016: Nathan T. Spriggs, student body president who organized the 2015 Union renovation

2015: Ryan Patterson, SGA Privilege Fee chair who helped organize the 2015 Union renovation

2014: Pat Bosco, vice president of student life

2013: Jon Levin, Jeff Levin and Steve Levin, bookstore contractors 2002-2012

2012: Richard Blackburn, second Union executive director

2011: Walter Smith, third Union executive director

2010: Dr. Chester and Mrs. Doris Peters, former vice president of student life; and O.D. Milligan Construction Company, contractor responsible for building expamsion2011: Walter Smith, third Union executive director

2009: Green Construction of Manhattan, contractor that constructed the original building

2008: Dr. James McCain, university president who opened the Union; and Dr. C. Clyde Jones

2007: Dr. Ed Gillette, first Union Governing Board officer; and Leon Armantrout, first Union Governing Board officer

2006: Loren Kottner, first Union executive director

2005: Daniel Beatty

2004: Marianna Kistler Beach, student who organized the Union student fee campaign; and Franklin Richards