Students, Programs Spotlighted by Residence Life Office

The Residence Life Office at Pennsylvania College of Technology has announced its latest group of honorees, commendable student leaders and notable programs both in the institution's on-campus housing complexes and beyond.

Resident Assistants of the Month Chosen as "Resident Assistants of the Month" were two RAs from The Village: James A. Jones, a culinary arts and systems major from Mount Pocono, and Clayton B. Morrow, an information technology-security specialist major from Loysville.

"Recently, while working with a difficult resident situation, James followed all the proper steps regarding protocol and, most importantly, made himself available for the resident," staff noted in announcing Jones' selection. "He's kind, generous, often puts others before himself and is very well-liked by residents and staff alike."

"Clayton ... has proved to be a strong leader in stepping up to the Senior RA position and pulling through in times of need," Residence Life said in honoring Morrow. "He has consistently completed his programming and RA duties, and has done a nice job of keeping things running smoothly. Clayton is friendly, likeable and has a great rapport with his residents."

Rising Stars of the Month "Rising Star" awards were conferred upon Amanda R. Stepp, an applied human services student from South Williamsport, and Thomas P.Garrett, of Lansford, an information technology-network specialist major who serves as an RA at Rose Street Apartments.

"By assuming dual roles of RA and intern for Residence Life, she has had to step up to the plate in many circumstances, but is adjusting well to the new position," staff said. "Amanda has been consistent in completing paperwork, programming and in dealing with resident issues. She has dealt with difficult situations and has proven to be a guiding light for several of her residents."

"He works hard to balance his campus activities, which include Student Government Association, ACM Computer Club, Residence Hall Association and working at the library," nominators said of Garrett. "At the same time, he works hard to reach out to all his residents, and has been especially helpful with computer and network issues." Noting Garrett's successful hallway Super Bowl party, Residence Life looks forward to whatever projects he has in store.

Special Initiative Programs of the Month Special Initiative Program Awards were presented to Carl Gravely, Tyler Wetzel and Dereck Smith for their work on the 2007 Mardi Gras float, and to Kevin Hickman, Eric Bruno and Melani Grady for the encore presentation of "The Vagina Monologues."

"Carl and Tyler spearheaded the project by designing the float, gathering materials, helping with meetings, working with administration and organizing students to help," Residence Life staff said. "Dereck Smith offered invaluable assistance with his carpentry skills, and the finished project was once again a first-place winner in the Mardi Gras Parade."

Gravely is a building automation technology major from Arona, Wetzel is an automotive technology management major from Herndon, Va., and Smith is a building construction technology student from South Plainfield, N.J. Gravely and Wetzel are RAs at Rose Street; Smith is at Campus View.

"Under the direction of ... Hickman for the second consecutive year, 'The Vagina Monologues' proved to be successful once again," staff said. "This year's production was brought to an even larger audience, as it was presented by the Community Arts Center. All proceeds from the show will benefit local service agencies and have a far-reaching impact on the Williamsport community.

"Kevin and the cast did a wonderful job, proving that Penn College students raise the bar for excellence in the professional world."

Hickman is a physician assistant major from Benton, Bruno is an automotive technology management student from Spring City, and Grady is a dental hygiene-health policy and administration major from Youngsville. All three are RAs at Campus View.

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

Educational

• Gravely again was honored, this time for organizing an "Explore Penn's Cave" outing for his Rose Street residents. "Fourteen residents and RAs braved downpours, winding roads and hibernating bats to explore one of Pennsylvania's premier natural wonders," staff reported.

Social

• A sled-riding program by two RAs at The Village: Stepp and Brad Schmidt, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology major from Tyrone. "In anticipation of the storm, they quickly made plans, advertised their program, e-mailed residents, purchased saucers and even prepared several homemade sleds! Although road conditions precluded travel to a prime sledding site, the pair improvised and came up with an alternate plan. They took about 25 residents to an open field to play in the snow. This was an on-the-spot program that worked out very well and provided an enjoyable time for all!"
• A Sno Mountain ski trip, organized by Schmidt and Sarah Landis, a physician assistant major from Lititz. "The RAs were very organized in their advance preparation to secure funding for the trip and in finalizing all the necessary details," staff explained. "All of their hard work and planning resulted in 10 residents and a staff member enjoying a great ski trip to Sno Mountain."