This year, ACPA will celebrate its 90th Anniversary.  What a milestone for our profession and Association.  I received the following letter from a longtime member, colleague and friend that speaks to his feelings about ACPA.  I applaud Dr. Petersen for his outstanding career in student affairs, for his untiring involvement over the past 45 years and well wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable retirement.  Thank you for your support and guidance over these many years.

From:        Stephen H. Petersen

Date:         December 18, 2013

Yesterday’s mail brought your renewal notice for my membership in ACPA.  It is with mixed feelings that I inform you that, after almost 45 years, I will not be renewing my membership for the coming year.  You see, I retired a few months ago and my feeling might best be described in the following way:

                    Membership in ACPA: $149

                    Memories from ACPA: Priceless

I first joined ACPA in 1967 as I began my graduate studies in College Student Personnel at Indiana University.  With the exception of four years when I worked in development and alumni relations I have always been a member of ACPA.

Over the years, I have been afforded incredible opportunities through ACPA.  Relatively early in my career, I was asked to be a part of the initial discussions regarding ACPA’s separation from APGA.  I was also a part of the very first conversations regarding a possible merger between ACPA and NASPA (it only took 20 years to bring this issue to a vote!).  In addition, I helped plan the first ever joint conference between ACPA and NASPA (in Chicago).

Commission III (housing and residence life) was my first “home” in ACPA.  I served six terms on the directorate, including one term as Chairperson.  With two other ACPA colleagues, I also helped charter Commission XV (judicial affairs and legal issues) where I served two terms on the directorate.

Over the years, I’ve been privileged to serve ACPA on several national and state committees and to make countless presentations at national and state conferences.  During the almost 25 years I spent as vice president for student affairs at the University of Central Missouri, I was active with MoCPA and helped plan a multitude of conferences and programs.  I was recognized with their highest honor (the Caple Award) and also humbled that they named their Outstanding Graduate Student award in my honor.

Some years ago, I was recognized as a Diamond Honoree.  And, although I was asked to consider running for the ACPA presidency several times over the years, I didn’t feel I could fulfill the responsibilities of the position without compromising my commitments either to my employer and to the most important thing in my life-my family.  Perhaps the consolation prize is that several of my former staff have served as outstanding presidents of ACPA, including Lynn Willett, Jill Carnegie, and Greg Roberts.

Anything I’ve achieved during my career is a reflection of the incredible mentoring and support that I’ve received from my professional colleagues, my staff and the thousands of students I’ve been privileged to work with.  I owe much of this to the opportunities which ACPA has afforded me over the years – to be of service and to give back to our great profession.

So, as this chapter of my life closes and a new one begins, I’m reminded of the immortal words of Bob Hope (slightly paraphrased): “Thanks, ACPA, for the memories!”