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.

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. It’s never dull, and just when you think you have a handle on it, some new wrinkle appears to keep you on your toes.”

From working at his High School alma mater, Benedictine, to serving as the Director of Admissions at Randolph-Macon College and now the Director of College Counseling at St. Catherine’s School, that “gig” he was just going to do for a couple years has turned out to be pretty great - especially for those of us that have gotten to know him along the way.

Anthony is calm, collected and cares about his students, colleagues and of course, his PCACAC family. He continues to find the time to make contributions and lend a helping hand to others.

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.

The relationships formed and the impact she had on all those she interacted with (present company included) is extensive - From students to admissions teams, from colleagues to relative strangers, Mildred Johnson seems to leave a lasting effect on people wherever she goes.

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

2019 Apperson Award Winner
Dr. Michael Carter
Director of College Counseling
St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School (VA)

As a leader within PCACAC, where he served in the presidential cycle with distinction, and NACAC, where he has served on two national committees, those who have worked with Mike admire his ability to listen, to organize, to cut to the heart of an issue, and his willingness to look at things from a fresh perspective and ask why we have chosen to do something in a particular way.  Several members of the PCACAC Board have pointed to his efforts to develop an endowment for the organization as one of his legacies.

Mike prepared for his career as a college counselor by serving as an Army officer and by getting a Ph.D. in history.  He is an avid outdoorsman who is active in Ducks Unlimited, and he is married to an opera singer. 

In addition to his service with PCACAC, he served as chair of the Conference Planning Committee for the Virginia Association of independent Schools, one of five different college counselors to head that committee over a span of 15 years

Read the entire tribute to Dr. Carter by James W. Jump, PCACAC Past President

Apperson Award Winners, 1973-present