Of The Month Award Winners - April 2013!

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

12 Of The Month nominations were submitted during the month of April, 2013. Of those, 8 were selected as Campus Winners; and 1 was chosen as the Regional Winner for GLACURH. We're very proud of all our staff and the hard work they've done this year.

Regional Winner

Brandon Macier - Residence Life Faculty/Staff Of The Month, submitted by Gena Stack. "Brandon serves as photographer, historian, public relations representative, technology adviser, graphic designer, and more - all IN ADDITION to his traditional Hall Director responsibilities. Brandon could not accomplish all of this without a commitment to completing tasks and advancing the department. This commitment shows through in all that he does."

Campus Winners

Cats and Dogs on Campus - Community Service Program Of The Month  presented by Katelyn Walker and submitted by Dennis Hoyle. "Numerous residents had the opportunity to relax outside on a beautiful day and enjoy a positive mental health boost by playing with insanely cute animals. This was a great late-semester break for our students. In addition, the residents donated supplies and signed-up to volunteer their time for the local shelters. It is likely that many of these student volunteers will develop a long-term relationship with the animal shelter. This is a great opportunity for students to get a chance to collaborate with off-campus organizations!"

Nicole Carlen - Executive Board Member Of The Month, nominated by Jac Jewell. "Nicole has a love for this organization and it has shown vividly through all she has done this month. She has been a vital role to NRHH this year and she will be missed next year. However, during the month of April she was able to help find new members and keep our current members motivated."

Elaheh Bashang - First Year Student Of The Month, nominated by Justin Schuch. "As an active member of her Area Council, Elaheh was a cornerstone in making sure the month of April was filled with programming efforts driven towards improving the on-campus living experience."

Residence Hall Association - Organization Of The Month, nominated by Justin Schuch. "Lead by a dynamic and dedicated executive board, the Residence Hall Association has endeavored to truly enhance the on campus living experience for all those they represent throughout the month of April. By creating inclusive and welcoming meetings, intentional collaborations, strong programming, and setting the stage for the future of their group, members of the Residence Hall Association have redefined what spring can look like for a successful organization!"

Nicolette Winn - Resident Assistant Of The Month, nominated by Lauren Kyriazes. 'April of 2012, Nicolette has launched a movement called the “No Longer Silenced” project. “The mission of the No Longer Silenced Movement is to raise awareness for and inspire teen survivors of child abuse. It is the No Longer Silenced Movement's highest aspiration that these teens will understand that they are not alone, realize how to ask for help, and acquire skills to aid in future success.” '

Robert Konzelmann - Residential Community Of The Month, nominated by Katelyn Walker. "Throughout the year Robert has stood out as a student and a community member in the Architecture Living Learning Community (LLC)."

Rebecca Dycus - Spotlight Of The Month, nominated by Gena Stack. "I can confidently say Rebecca lives this mission in her work. She promotes our residential communities positively; represents our staff team as a warm, open, caring individual; and makes University Housing a better workplace for all with whom she comes in contact."

Thank you to the following individuals for submitting OTMs for April: Elizabeth Nielsen, Sarah Larsen, Lauren Kyriazes, Beisabel Velasco, Katelyn Walker, Dennis Hoyle, Jac Jewell, Justin Schuch, and Gena Stack. Thank you for making recognition a priority!