OSU residence hall leaders put together a "rockin'" presentation to get the judges'
attention and attract one of the premier national conferences to OSU in 2008. Members
shown (back row, from left): Kristen Swift, facilities co-director; Tyler Prosise,
housing; Emily Morgenstern, conference co-director; Ryan Allen, conference co-director;
Beth Oliver, philantrophy co-director; Andrew Willoughby, NBD liaison; (middle row,
from left) Spencer Moxley, programming co-director; Amanda Mollet, adviser; Melissa
Morie, philathropy co-director; Shannon Milligan, advisor and Nick Irby, facilities
co-director. (on the floor:) Mason Meyer, entertainment director.
Oklahoma State University and its residence halls will be the host site of the National
Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH, Inc.) national conference
in the spring of 2008.
The four-day event will be held May 16-19. This is the first time that OSU has had
the honor of hosting this conference, and it was all made possible through countless
student volunteer hours.
For 16 OSU students, the past year has been filled with planning and preparation.
These students had a dream of hosting the 2008 NACURH conference. NACURH Inc. is the
largest student-run nonprofit organization in the world. NACURH incorporates nearly
300 schools from across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The annual conference
generally attracts nearly 2,000 students for four days of energy, excitement, and
leadership development.
“NACURH is the happiest place on Earth,” said Zac Green, co-director of registration
and technology.
That’s why students from OSU traveled to NACURH 2007 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this summer
to make their bid to host next year’s conference. Led by co-chairs junior Ryan Allen
and senior Emily Morgenstern, they were awarded the opportunity to host NACURH 2008.
The theme is “Rockin’ and Rollin’ Through Leadership—Express Your Passions.” The conference
staff plans to create an energetic environment where leaders are able to realize their
potential and express their passions for the purpose of improving themselves and their
communities.
Just like rock and roll, higher education has evolved from something people were unsure
of to an undeniable force in today’s society.
In addition to attracting thousands, the conference will also feature prominent keynote
speakers and entertainers from around the country. Students attending the conference
will learn leadership development, personal and professional development, social skills,
communication skills, and participate in civic engagement activities. To make this
event possible, students will continue to work throughout the year. They will be communicating
with the nation, finalizing conference details, coordinating events, planning philanthropy
events, recruiting volunteers and soliciting sponsorship.
