RAs, Programs Recognized by Residence Life Office

Published 05.07.2009

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Student News

2008-09 Honors

Senior RA of the YearJulianne Grega

Resident Assistant of the YearBradley Jackson

Rising Star of the Year Jeffrey Eshenour

Educational Program of the Year"I Love Sex, Candy, & Cocktails" Kaitlyn Charmbury. Larissa Kryder, Josh Wilson

Innovative Program of the Year"Picture Williamsport" Kaitlyn Charmbury, Megan Pennington

Social Program of the Year"Wing Blast" Rose Street Staff

Special Initiative Program of the Year"Camp Woodward" Anthony Grubbs

John 'J.C.' Phillippy Outstanding Resident Assistants and events for April have been announced by Pennsylvania College of Technology's Residence Life Office, which also revealed its year-end roster of exemplary RAs and programs within on-campus housing.

Senior RA of the MonthHonored as Senior Resident Assistant of the Month for April was John C. "J.C." Phillippy, an information technology: security specialist major from Greencastle and an RA at Rose Street.

"The Senior RA of the Month has proven himself to be dedicated to Residence Life and Penn College," Residence Life officials wrote. "He is in his third year as a Residence Assistant and is involved on campus in the Wildcat Events Board and Student Government Association, and as a Student Ambassador. He has been a devoted leader in his complex and an important part of the Residence Life team."

Rising Star of the MonthThe Rising Star of the Month was Kyle Miller, a civil engineering technology major from Bangor and a first-year RA at Rose Street Apartments (for whom no photo was available).

"With staff and students alike, this RA has earned the reputation for being 'someone who will do anything for you.' He continually signs up for extra duties and responsibilities, despite his busy class schedule, tutoring and volunteer job," staff wrote. "He is a reliable member of the Rose Street team, and will be returning as the Senior Resident Assistant for the Rose Street complex next year."

Sarah ShottMary Jo NonnemacherEducational Program of the MonthHonored as the month's most notable educational program was "Funnel Away Your Stress," arranged by Rose Street RAs Miller; Mary Jo Nonnemacher, a nursing student from Bethlehem; Louis Rizzo III, a building construction technology major from Sugarloaf; and Sarah Shott, of Tresckow, a web and applications development major.

Louis Rizzo III"These RAs worked together to create a program that combined tasty food and a relaxing atmosphere before the stress of finals began," staff said of the event, in which about 40 residents gathered to eat funnel cakes and take a study break,

Social Program of the MonthHonored as the month's oustanding social event was a "Wing Blast" program presented by the Rose Street Apartments staff (Temi Agboola, Tony Breighner, Jeff Eshenour, Megan Hawn, Ashlin Hershberger, Kyle Miller, Meagan Morris, Mary Jo Nonnemacher, J.C. Phillippy, Louis Rizzo, Corey Shank, Sarah Shott and Stephanie Stitham).

Rose Street Apartments staff"Since February, the RAs have been planning this program as a means to bring residents together before the end of the year," Residence Life staff noted. The RAs held multiple brainstorming sessions and came up with a wonderful new twist to a program that was done last year.

"The second annual Wing Blast was a huge success, with almost 200 students in attendance. The Rose Street RAs served wings and pizza from various area restaurants, and invited Penn College's own (and Buffalo native) Chef Paul Mach to present the history of wings. Students enjoyed great food while watching the movie, "Bedtime Stories."

Innovative Program of the MonthSingled out for its creativity was a "Picture Williamsport" program organized by Kaitlyn Charmbury, of State College, a residential construction technology and management: architectural technologymajor, and Megan Pennington, a graphic design student from Baltimore. Both are Resident Assistants in The Village at Penn College.

Megan PenningtonKaitlyn Charmbury"These RAs put a great deal of time, planning and organizing into their final product," staff said. "The program included faculty involvement and our surrounding community as two key elements of a great program. Additionally, the RAs incorporated a health-and-wellness aspect."

Anthony GrubbsThe group began with a faculty discussion and slide show, then proceeded on a walking tour of Williamsport to view and discuss the city's architecture. Participants were given maps of stopping points and were asked to photograph different buildings as part of a contest, the winners of which received gift certificates to the Coffeeand Tea Room.

Special Initiative Program of the MonthChosen as the April's "special initiative" was "Camp Woodward," a unique program planned by Village RA Anthony Grubbs, a residential construction technology and management: masonry major from Irwin.

" This program would definitely be categorized as 'out of the box,'" said staff, who noted that nothing of its kind had ever been done at Penn College. "The RA who organized it definitely went the extra mile in terms of planning. (He) polled students to get an idea on the degree of interest and secured funding to cover some of the expenses. A lively group of nine students traveled an hour away for a fun-filled time of skateboarding and biking. They had a great time and even had the chance to interact with some pros."