Enthusiastic RAs, Innovative Programs Recognized by Residence Life

Published 10.29.2008

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Student News

Pennsylvania College of Technology's Residence Life Office salutes its top paraprofessionals and programs for October.

Julianne C. GregaSenior Resident Assistant of the MonthChosen as Senior Resident Assistant of the Month was Julianne C. Grega, a physician assistant major from Weatherly. A second-year RA in the Campus View Apartments, Grega "continues to go far above and beyond expectations, especially in the area of staff team-building," the Residence Life announcement said.

"She is available to the Resident Assistants, and offers feedback and support through programming, duty nights and other initiatives at her resident complex," staff added. "Her leadership skills have developed immensely, and she is a constant help and support to her Residence Life Coordinator." She also completes projects, paperwork and followup in a timely and efficient manner, it was noted, as well as being an advocate for her fellow RAs who is willing to speak up on policy issues.

Azeez O. SaluRising Star of the MonthThe Rising Star of the Month is Azeez O. Salu, a first-year RA in The Village at Penn College. A collision repair technology major from Upper Marlboro, Md.,Salu was singled out for his ready smile, cooperative nature and willingness to volunteer.

"This RA is someone who has worked very hard, especially when it comes to building community," staff said. "He has taken the time not only to get to know his own residents, but most of the residents throughout the complex. It is not just community-building that he excels in. He has an open heart and brightens the lives of those around him."

Megan R. PenningtonEducational Program of the MonthThe Educational Program of the Month was "Not Your Average College Food," organized by Megan R. Pennington, a graphic design major from Baltimore and a first-year Resident Assistant at the Village

"The RA collaborated with resident to discuss menu, budget and a floor plan for the program," staff noted. "The program helped the resident fulfill a class requirement and consisted of a two-hour cooking demonstration. The wonderful aromas of food attracted 18 hungry residents, and all the students had a great time."

Jaime R. AckermanSocial Program of the MonthDeemed the month's most noteworthy Social Program was "PJ Party," organized by Jaime R. Ackerman, who was honored for her "hard work, creativity and innovation." A human resource management major from Washington, N.J., Ackerman is a first-year RA at Campus View.

"One of the most important aspects of being a good Resident Assistant is knowing who your residents are and planning programs that meet their needs. This RA did exactly that," Residence Life staff explained. "She talked to her residents and recognized the need for a time when all the girls could get together and discuss issues that were going on in their lives. She planned an event for female residents to socialize, cook, watch TV and discuss their problems. The program was executed beautifully with much success."

Mary Jo NonnemacherSpecial Intitiative Program of the Month"Celebracion Hispana," coordinated by Mary Jo Nonnemacher "with enthusiasm, excitement and the spirit of inclusion," was picked as October's Special Initiative Program of the Month. Nonnemacher, an RA in the Rose Street Apartments, is a nursing student from Bethlehem.

In a programming first for Penn College, all residence complexes were invited to take part in the celebration.

"This Resident Assistant saw an opportunity to educate others and learn as much as she could in the process. Her program ... included a brilliant PowerPoint presentation, music, games and traditional cuisine from Ozzie and Mae's Restaurant."