OSU Housing and Residential Life Recognizes of the year awards
Monday, April 25, 2011
Oklahoma State University’s Department of Housing and Residential Life honored its student workers for the critical role they play in the OSU student experience during the department’s annual banquet this month at the Conoco Phillips Alumni Center.
“This academic year, our student staff presented more than 2,300 programs in the halls,” said Dr. Matthew Brown, Director of Residential Life. “Through these outstanding programs, the residents were able to grow and develop not only as students, but as human beings and citizens of the world. With so many stellar programs and dedicated staff members, it is easy to see why living in the halls creates a win-win situation. Not only are students supported academically, but they are also given a broader view of the world and how they can change it.”
Each Resident Advisor (RA) is required to conduct programs based on the Six Pillars of the OSU Experience, which represent critical competencies of a successful college experience, career, and life. OSU encourages students to maximize their opportunities for growth both in and out of the classroom, and across numerous dimensions.
Social programming is the fastest way to build community in the halls and the winner of the Social Program of the Year was Steven Littrell, RA for Wentz Hall, for the Tuesday Night Music Program. This weekly program has created a stronger community throughout Wentz Hall.
The Academic Excellence Program of the Year was Brain Food by Christian Montalvo and John Wiewel, both RAs in the North Monroe Apartments. To enhance academic performance, this program encouraged healthier eating and the use of snacks that research suggested will assist in helping students increase their brain function.
The winner of Leadership Program of the Year was Alyson Colin, RA for Bennett Hall, for her program The Grid. She used programming to assist the student-athletes on her floor with their communications and work relationships.
The Service and Civic Engagement award went to Kerr-Drummond Hall’s Hawkins Dance, which provided a social activity for 150 residents and also raised money for a local food bank. This program demonstrated OSU’s land-grant mission of outreach or service
The Finding Your Purpose award, which recognizes programs designed to get information to students about major and career options to help get them on the right path, went to Wentz Hall for their Major Fair.
The Broadening Your Horizons Program of the Year was awarded to Alex Haar, of the Village Halls, for his Intro to Sign Language program. By incorporating Student Disabilities Services, this program increased community awareness and allowed residents to communicate in a new way.
The Wellness Program of the Year award went to Parker Hall for its Root Beer Pong Tournament. They used a popular drinking game, pizza, and a staff member from the Drug and Alcohol Counseling Office to teach about responsible behaviors with alcohol.
Staff Member of the Year awards were presented at the banquet. The winners were nominated by their fellow staff members and winners were selected by a panel of judges; winners were:
Student Staff Member of the Year: Leslie Crane, Applied Sociology senior from Edmond, OK, Resident Assistant for the tenth floor of Wentz Hall
Ambassador of the Year: Mary White, International Business and Psychology Senior from Woodward, OK
Crew Member of the Year: Jake Gibbs, Mechanical Engineering junior from Jenks, OK
Graduate Student of the Year: Heather Wright, counseling graduate student from Farmington, IL, Zink and Allen Halls
Resident Computer Consultant of the Year: Josh Holland, Electrical Engineering senior from Santan Valley, AZ
Faculty Associate of the Year: Megan Lisenmeyer, Spears School of Business, 4th floor of Villages E and
OSU Housing and Residential Life houses more than 7,000 residents in twenty-four residences halls and seven family and graduate student housing neighborhoods. Three types of housing options are offered: community style halls, suites, and apartments. The department employs more than 50 full-time and 300 part-time workers, and offers more than 350 student leadership positions. The Department celebrated its Centennial in 2010.