Syracuse University Awarded ‘School of the Year’ Honor By National Association of College and University Residence Halls

Syracuse University Awarded ‘School of the Year’ Honor By National Association of College and University Residence HallsNovember 27, 2003Michele M. Jachimmmjachim@syr.edu

Thanks to creative ideas and the commitment and dedication of students and staff, SU’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) was named a 2002 School of the Year by the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). The accolade is the highest national honor for which RHAs compete, and recognizes SU RHA’s outstanding achievements on campus and leadership in NACURH programs. From ski trips to fashion shows, SU’s programs have engaged students and have promoted vibrant campus life year after year.

“We are tremendously proud of our students for their hard work and dedication in making our residence life truly the best in the country,” said Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, director of residence life. “Our students have gone above and beyond in providing leadership experiences that stimulate positive change in students’ lives and in society.”

NACURH, founded in 1954, helps member universities and colleges design and facilitate programs and information that reinforce education of students, and hosts several national and regional conferences throughout the year. Each of the eight NACURH regions selected a regional nominee for the School of the Year award in February 2002, and Syracuse went on to win over universities including George Washington University, the University of Idaho, Central Michigan University, the University of North Dakota, the University of Washington and the University of North Texas. SU was stood out for exceptional programming, leadership development, and communication work.

“We have seen RHA design, plan, and execute some of the best campus programming available to students today,” said Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “As a result, our students have high-quality educational and social activities that help them take advantage of all this University has to offer.”

Syracuse University’s Office of Residence Life (ORL) has won several other accolades over the past several months, including the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) Presidential Service Award for consistent outstanding service to ACUHO-I during the 2001-2002 academic year. The Presidential Service Award recognizes research and assessment work that ORL has done in support of housing and residence life at a national level to assist ACUHO-I. Specially recognized were three ORL staff members.

• Steve St. Onge, associate director of residence life, was appointed to an international task force on recruitment and retention of entry-level staff for ACUHO-I.
• Terra Peckskamp, assistant director of residence life, was appointed to serve as co-chair of the Academic Initiatives Committee for ACUHO-I for this academic year.
• Mariana LeBron, assistant director of residence life, was appointed to a task force for ACUOHO-I to involve students in residence life careers.

ACUHO-I also recognized the SU team that worked on the 2002 Housing and Residence Life Recruitment and Retention Survey Staff members included: Eric Nestor, coordinator for assessment and residence director; Kate Axelson, assistant residence director; Stacey Phelps, assistant residence director; Stacey Parker, assistant residence director, Josh McIntosh, associate director for administration and assessment; Steve St. Onge and Mariana Lebron.