It is with great pleasure that the RA Recognition Committee announces End of the Year award winners. These awards were presented at a ceremony on May 13, in Emerson Suites. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the Residential Life family.
Program of the Year
A successful program not only engages residents and builds community, but it is also unbelievably satisfying for the coordinating RAs. The outstanding effort put forth by Program of the Year nominees results in much community building, creativity, involvement from residents, event-planning skills, and passion.
The Murder Mystery Program; sponsored by Josh Roaf, Ann Struke, Jordan Bastedo and Chelsea Dobbs of the Boothroyd, Rowland, and Talcott Staff.
“The Murder Mystery program was by far the most elaborate and original program that I have ever seen. I could not believe the amount of effort and time that these RA's put into this program, and how successful it was. The idea of the program was to make it game like Clue, but in real life.
I am thoroughly impressed by how these RA’s executed this program, their innovative ideas behind creating an entire story line on a murder, and the cleverness of how they set up clues to help their resident solve the mystery.
I believe that this program sets a prime example of an astounding program that took great leadership, teamwork, and imagination that exceeded all expectations.”
Community of the Year
Nominees for Community include floors, buildings, clusters, staffs or areas on campus that have a unique cohesiveness. These communities may participate in numerous activities together or may just be a very comfortable and fun environment to be in.
Terraces 1-4 Residents and RA Staff.
“The residents and staff of this particular area have had a challenging time. This community is very close-knit, and one could say that you can spot them a mile away because the whole building travels in packs across campus, as well as in the dining halls. An RAs resigned mid-semester due to personal challenges, and the community was left with only two RAs for a period of three weeks. During this time, this community came together to both support the RA who left, but to support each other in the governing of the community. The remaining RAs gladly took on the extra programming and duty responsibilities until another RA could be trained and hired.
Resident Assistant of the Year
The RA position at Ithaca College demands a high level of maturity; the ability to work well as an individual community leader as well as an active participant on a staff team; as well as the knowledge and practical application of policy and procedure, counseling skills, and emergency response. Additionally, because the RA position is residential, these skills must be accessible in an environment where an RA’s personal space is also his or her work space – thereby creating a delicate personal/professional balance. Only RAs who have been in the position for 2 full semesters are eligible to be nominated for this award.
Kyle Unruh, West Tower.
“He had succeeded in taking a clearly negative situation that was just handed to him randomly, accepted the challenge with a smile, and thought out a smart and creative strategy for working hard to meet the unique needs of his floor. 'I am very privileged to have been on the same staff as Kyle.'
It’s been an absolute pleasure to supervise this RA, both as a truly exceptional performer at RA responsibilities and as a great person to interact with. I know his residents and his staff peers would join me in strongly supporting him as our RA of the Year.”
New RA of the Year
This award is for any RA who has only one or two semesters of experience and has demonstrated a lot of growth and improvement as he or she has developed into the position, resulting in exemplary work in all aspects of the RA position that is equal to or exceeds the level of more seasoned RAs.
Julia Dunn, West Tower.
“Residents of this RA’s floor have consistently raved about their experiences this year. The floor has become an active, tight-knit community that values the jokes, memories, and friendships that have emerged over the year. Much of this is directly attributable to the RA’s efforts. She has consistently gone well above and beyond programming requirements, presenting floor events in numbers far beyond expectations.”
RA Hall of Fame
Winners of this award have demonstrated outstanding work as an RA for a prolonged period of time, more than 2 semesters, and are now leaving the position. Being inducted into the RA Hall of Fame is the Lifetime Achievement Award of the RA world, and has been in existence at Ithaca College since 1996. The RA inducted into the RA Hall of Fame will have his or her name added to the RA Hall of Fame plaque in the Central Office of Residential Life and Judicial Affairs.
Heather Fields, Circle Apartments.
“500 words can not adequately describe the tenure of accomplishments this RA has completed, not only for Residential Life, but for the community as a whole. This 3rd year RA has worked in full freshmen residential communities as well as culminating her experience in the apartments area.
This RA even has earned the opportunity to possibly work in D.C this summer with a national diversity organization. Her warm and welcoming personality shows her appreciation for diversity, but also makes her approachable and characteristic, much deserving of this lifetime achievement status.”
Andrea Morton, Emerson Hall and Garden Apartments.
“This nomination is both easy and difficult to write. It is difficult, because I am nominating Andrea Morton into the RA Hall of Fame, and since she passed away, things have not been painless on us in EmGar or anyone who knew her. It is easy, however, because Andrea was just amazing at her job. I am sure at the end of her senior year after working in the Circles in 2009-2010, she would have been nominated for this award as well. She was a leader on staff, a strong team member, and a pleasure to work with.”
Residence Director of the Year
The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding work in the position. They are consistently reliable, helpful, creative, and serve as a great role model for their staff and residents.
Frederick Chandra, Terraces 1-4.
“Fred has really made my job a lot more enjoyable and constantly keeps me and my staff going with his energy and good humor. Inevitably, the RA position has brought about a lot of stress but in the midst of everything, he remains calm and understanding to my other commitments and events happening in my life. His organization skills, generosity, and thoughtfulness are characteristics I most highly value and appreciate. I am grateful for the fun work environment Fred has created for me and my staff and attribute much of my enjoyment of this position to him.”
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20090522105853390