Month's Notable RAs, Programming Announced

The latest luminous lineup of Resident Assistants and their student-housing programs has been announced by PennsylvaniaCollege of Technology's Residence Life Office.

RA of the Month
Megan Pennington, a graphic design major from Baltimore, was honored as RA of the Month for contributions to the department and her ability to balance multiple roles as student, RA, and campus leader.

"This returning Resident Assistant has grown from a quiet, shy resident to a solid RA and well-known student leader all over campus," office staff said. "She is always very willing to help other team members, especially by using her creative abilities. She brings a great deal of her exceptional talent to the table, to the benefit of both the staff team and her residents."

Rising Star of the Month
Hats off to Justin Ball, a management student from Sandy Ridge, who was honored as Rising Star of the Month. Among his past and present campus leadership affiliations are the Student Government Association, Inter-Fraternity Council, executive board of his fraternity, Community Assistant (for off-campus housing) and the Student Activities information desk.

"This Resident Assistant has been able to balance a number of his leadership roles and still do a fantastic job as an RA," Residence Life staff noted. "He was able to successfully handle all those responsibilities and still maintain a stellar grade-point average. He has dealt with the challenges of his position with maturity, compassion and commitment. He is a true talent and a balanced leader, and his skills continue to grow."

Educational Program of the Month
"What's in Your Cup?" an alcohol awareness program conducted within the residence halls by the College West Apartments team, was singled out among the month's educational offerings. The RAs involved were Ball, Brittany Davis, Jordan Enders, Tracy Garis, Alyssa Giedroc, Charles Herman, Bradley Jackson, Elizabeth Rutt, Azeez Salu and Morris Sayon.

"The participants played several rounds of a game that most residents are familiar with: Beer Pong. However, it was done with an educational spin and water not beer!" staff explained. "Participants were asked to answer questions about consequences and dangers of substance and alcohol abuse. The RAs made every effort to address the issues of alcohol in a manner that would reach the residents."

The program was well-received, with more than 75 residents attending.

Social Program of the Month
Showcased from among the month's social programs was Wing Blast, offered by Rose Street Apartments RAs Kelly Bensinger, Kevin Brookhart, Jeff Eshenour, John Gearhart, Ashlin Hershberger, Stephania Karoullas, Marissa Koch, Alonso Marchinski, Kyle Miller, Corvin Oberholtzer, Toye Ogundoyin, Corey Shank and Sarah Shott.

"The Rose Street Staff took a great program and solidified it into a Rose Street tradition. The staff provided buffalo wings from six area restaurants and our own Penn College Dining Services to over 80 residents in attendance," staff said. "Chef Paul (Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts) was on hand to give some history on the famous bar food, and there was even a 'man-sized' chicken ... to greet students as they chowed down!"

Students also were treated to a showing of the movie, "The Blind Side."