Residence Life Announces Laudable RAs, Programming

The Residence Life Office at Penn College has announced its latest round of awards, commending students and programs within the college's on-campus housing complexes.

Chosen as "Resident Assistant of the Month" was Sarah J. Landis, a physician assistant major from Lititz and an RA in The Village.

"This RA understands the importance of building strong relationships with residents ... for a strong community," staff said in announcing her selection. "Her residents often speak of how wonderful Sarah is and how quickly she responds to their needs. She spends time with her residents, but also takes time to get to know and understand residents all over the complex."

Residence Life staff also noted the admirable way Landis balances RA duties and academic responsibilities, as she is enrolled in a difficult major and carrying 21 credits this semester.

John C. Phillippy, of Greencastle, a security specialist-information technology major in his first year as an RA at Campus View, was chosen as this month's "Rising Star."

"J.C. has done everything that is expected of him, including programming responsibilities, completing paperwork and duty nights. In addition, he is very active on his floor. He's brought a lot of energy andenthusiasm to his RA position," staff wrote. "(He) uses good judgment and responds in a professional manner when defusing difficult situations. J.C.'s residents feel comfortable approaching him."

Residence Life personnel also selected educational and social "Programs of the Month," as follows:

• Social"You Can Slurp It, Twirl It or Slice It, but No Matter How You Swallow It, I'm the RA and I'm Cooking Dinner," organized by Kimberly A. Erdman, a first-year RA at Rose Street. Erdman, a dental hygiene major from RR 1 Herndon, prepared a spaghetti dinner for her entire floor, using the time to get to know residents' names and making sure to introduce everyone who walked through the door."Despite a few kitchen mishaps and some spontaneous cooking creativity, which resulted in some happy and tasty accidents, 23 residents attended this program," staff reported. "All lived to tell the tale. Many residents remained long after dinner was over to continue conversations and meet new people."
• Educational"Take Me Out to the Ball Game," organized by seven RAs at Campus View: Eric M. Bruno, Spring City, automotive technology management; "J.C." Phillippy (see above); Melani B. Grady, Youngsville, dental hygiene; Martin D. Denault, Clarks Summit, welding and fabrication engineering technology; Dana M. Eaton, Honey Grove, information technology-networking technology; Kevin A. Hickman, Benton, physician assistant; and Dereck I. Smith, South Plainfield, N.J., building construction technology.The program, which drew more than 70 residents to the courtyard,served as an exceptional community-builder with the focus on fun and diversity."RAs cooked hot dogs, served root-beer floats and showed the Little League World Series on the big screen," staff said. "The focus was on diversity, through the different teams that were playing and through handouts about the series." The RAs also overcame technical difficulties, substituting the sounds of the game until it was dark enough to view on the screen.