UNO Residence Hall Association Wins Three Regional Awards

The regional business conference for the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (MACURH) was held Feb. 8-11, 2018. Four of UNO’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) leaders attended this conference to network, share resources, and conduct business of the organization, including passing legislation, voting on award bids, and hearing updates from the regional and national board of directors. There were approximately 40 institutions represented – 140 student leaders and 30 advisors.

UNO was represented by a student delegation including:

• Trevor Harlow (Residence Hall Association (RHA) President)
• Cynthia Aspegren (RHA Vice President and National Communications Coordinator)
• Touki Phommakhanh (National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) President)
• Savannah Davis (RHA Sustainability Committee Chair)

These delegates represent the almost 30-member RHA board on campus, made up of both Dodge and Scott campus student leaders/residents.

Prior to this weekend’s conference in Kirksville, Missouri, UNO’s RHA submitted three award bids to be considered for regional awards. There was strong competition in all three categories, and we are pleased to share with you that all three of UNO RHA’s award bids won.

• UNO was nominated and won the “RHA Building Block of the Year” Award - recognizing outstanding growth and achievement of an RHA chapter
• Trevor Harlow was nominated and won the “RHA President of the Year” Award - recognizing superb leadership and involvement on the campus, regional, and national level
• Savannah Davis was nominated and won the “First-Year Experience” Award - recognizing first-year students who have gone above and beyond to contribute to residence life on their campus

Cynthia Aspegren was awarded the four-year MACURH service pin and certificate for her steadfast dedication and years of service to the regional organization.

The delegation also participated in the case study competition, which asked participants to propose and respond to a sustainability-related educational initiative. The UNO delegation was awarded first place for their critical thinking and writing skills.

Earlier this academic year, UNO's RHA was awarded the Commitment to Sustainability award, as well as an award recognizing the professional service of RHA advisor, Chloe' Smith.

Click here to view images of the evening’s festivities, as well as the winning award bids.

Additionally, all three award bids will be forwarded to the National Association of College and University Residence Halls to compete on the national level this May.