by the Student Veterans of America in 2018. WOU was one of two universities highlighted for its success in graduating Pell Grant recipients in its 2015 report, The Pell Partnership: Ensuring a Shared Responsibility for Low-Income Student Success. WOU was an inaugural winner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award recognized by Insight Into Higher Education on November 15, 2012. This award recognizes universities and colleges that have demonstrated the highest level of commitment and action towards fostering a campus community that celebrates all the many facets of diversity. Ackerman Residence Hall, opened fall 2010, has received multiple awards for its environmentally friendly design and operations. Green Home Authority named Ackerman as one of the ten eco-friendliest dorms in the country in 2011. Mother Nature Network also listed Ackerman as one of the ten greenest dorms on the planet in 2010. The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) has recognized fourteen Western Oregon University faculty and staff for academic advising (three in 2008, one in 2009, two in 2010, two in 2011, one in 2012, four in 2013, and one in 2014). In January 2010, The Education Trust named WOU in the top 10 of the nation for improved graduation rates among underrepresented minorities. WOU also ranked ninth in closing the gap between minority and nonminority graduation rates. WOU is one of the most diverse universities in Oregon and has the highest percentage of Latino students in the Oregon University System. Between 2000 and 2009, enrollment of Latino students increased 75%, Asian-American students by 53%, African-American students by 115% and Native American students by 63%, for an overall increase of these student populations of 73%. The successful growth in Latino students has resulted in WOU being accepted as a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Notable alumni Kevin Boss – American football player for the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs Tony Burris – American football player, Arena Football League's Detroit Drive and Washington Commandos Jeff Charleston – American football player, New Orleans Saints Brian Greene – American football player Marco Hernandez – First Latino to serve as U.S. district court judge in Oregon. Robert Oberst – Professional strongman who competes yearly in The World's Strongest Man competition Bryce Peila – American football player, Arena Football League's Portland Thunder/Steel Jason Slowey – NFL Player for the Oakland Raiders Dan Straily (born 1988), starting