Alvernia University

The Office of Residence Life hosted its annual Resident Assistant (RA) Banquet on May 5, 2024, in Francis Hall. "I am very proud of the efforts of everyone who made this event, and this year, possible. It was a special night to not only reflect on the memories and relationships that we have with one another, but also to honor some pretty amazing student leaders," said Associate Director of Residence Life, Logan Houptley, M.S. The banquet, hosted by the RA Recognition Committee, had raffle prizes, catered food, and plenty of decorations that matched the theme, the Wild West. 38 RAs were invited to participate in the banquet. The professional staff announced the 2023-2024 winners of the RA of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. "Being an RA is critically important to the success of our residential experience here at Alvernia University," said Houptley. "Being an RA means that you are a community leader, a friend, a classmate, a colleague, a mentor, an advisor, a facilitator, a shoulder to cry on - the list goes on. RAs are what make living on campus such a special experience for many. Everyone always remembers their RA and the positive impact they have on making Alvernia feel like home." The winner of RA of the Year is Wilma Taveras, who has been an RA for 2 academic years: first in Clare Hall, this year in Zygmunta Hall. Next year, Taveras will be an RA in Ehlerman Hall. "I appreciate receiving this award because it shows me that the work I put into trying to make a positive impact among residents through addressing their needs, supporting them in any way they need, and creating an atmosphere where they feel they can thrive doesn't go unnoticed. This award reminds me of my "why" I do this job," said Taveras. "My favorite part about being an RA is seeing residents' progression through college and playing a part in their journey. It's incredible to see how much residents have grown into their own selves within the time I have known them. It is beyond rewarding to see the connections I have formed within ResLife, but especially with residents. I know I wouldn't have the skills and confidence I do now if it hadn't been for the residents I have interacted with and gotten to know." Taveras' direct supervisor, Area Coordinator Kylie Dillon, M.A., said the following of her performance: "Over the last academic year, Wilma has grown as a person, and as an RA. She has done an incredible job of participating and is always dependable. She communicates well both with her peers and professional staff. Especially this semester, with an academic schedule she knew would be incredibly busy, each of her programs was preplanned before the first day of classes even began. Her dedication to the role and ability to balance her personal life, academic schedule, and RA responsibilities makes me super honored and proud to honor Wilma as RA of the year." The winner of Rookie of the Year is Julia Lawson, who was an RA in Clare Hall this past academic year. Next year, Julia will be an RA in Holleran Hall. "Being the recipient of the Rookie of the Year Award has been the highest honor this year because I put my heart into being an RA," said Lawson. "It is rewarding to know that all my hard work was recognized and appreciated by the professional staff and encourages me to continue my work as an RA in my final two years at Alvernia. An important skill I discovered that I can take with me throughout my career was being able to help first year students overcome struggles of college life on campus and to help them successfully navigate throughout their first year at Alvernia. And of course, getting to know my residents throughout the year has also been a favorite part. Some of them really made my first year amazing and they made my life as an RA so much easier, so shout out to them." Lawson's direct supervisor, Area Coordinator, Jason Patrick Lee, MBA, said the following of her performance: "As a first-year RA, Julia Lawson carried herself like a seasoned veteran, demonstrating a strong internal foundation that pointed to her maturity and desire to be successful in her role. She made herself available for coaching from Residence Life's professional and student staff as well as offered mentorship to other RAs. She shined the brightest when she was hard at work meeting the varying needs of her freshmen residents. Her residents frequently spoke very highly of her, and the impact that she made on Clare Hall this year was, to me, such a joy, privilege, and honor to watch and encourage."

Top students at Alvernia University serve as Resident Assistants for the 2020-2021 academic year. RAs are academically successful students who help build strong and healthy residential communities while upholding the core values of the university.

Resident Assistants (RAs) at Alvernia University have been named for the 2017-18 academic year. RAs are academically successful students, committed to the core values of university, who help build strong and healthy residential communities.

Resident Assistants (RAs) at Alvernia University have been named for the 2016-17 academic year. RAs are academically successful students, committed to the core values of university, who help build strong and healthy residential communities.

The following students participated in the Residence Hall Association at Alvernia University during the spring semester of 2015. Club members are sponsored by the Office of Residence Life, and live in Alvernia University residence halls.

Resident Assistants (RAs) at Alvernia University have been named for the 2015-16 academic year. RAs are academically successful students, committed to the core values of university, who help build strong and healthy residential communities.

The following local residents were named Resident Assistants at Alvernia University for the 2013-14 academic year.

The following local residents were named Resident Assistants at Alvernia University for the 2012-13 academic year.

Resident Assistants (RAs) at Alvernia University have been named for the 2014-15 academic year. RAs are academically successful students, committed to the core values of university, who help build strong and healthy residential communities.