The award honors Charles (Chuck) Frederiksen, who began his association with the ISU Department of Residence when he moved into Friley as a freshman in 1949. For nearly 50 years, Chuck had a distinguished career in the college and university housing profession. He became the Director of Residence in 1967 and retired in 1996. During his tenure at Iowa State, Chuck actively participated in the implementation, support, and nurturance of the house system. The system is one of his lasting contributions to students and student development. The emphasis of the award is on leadership at the grassroots level.