Difference Makers: University Housing Resident Assistants Continue to Impress
Throughout the month of February, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrates individuals in the campus community who enrich the supportive environment that SIUE curates. Nominated by their peers on the University’s social media platforms, “SIUE Difference Makers” range from students, faculty and staff. The tradition was born from sparks of gratitude and hope which permeated each campus during the Covid pandemic.
This year, University Housing went the extra mile by receiving a total of seven nominations. Today, SIUE is recognizing two Woodland Hall Resident Assistants: Anjelikka Hopkins of Cougar Village and Maddy Walter of Woodland Hall.
Anjelikka Hopkins
Hopkins is studying art and psychology at SIUE. She was nominated by her peers and former RA for her creativity, positivity and commitment to hard work. Nominators describe her witty sense of humor and novelty for over-the-top door decorations, she’s especially known for her Harry Styles and Taylor Swift displays.
In addition to being an RA, Hopkins is involved in the Painting and Drawing Association and Students for Reproductive Rights organization. Overseeing complexes 508, 510, and 512, Hopkins’ residents admire her ability to balance a heavily committed SIUE schedule, social activities and outstanding merit as a University Housing member.
For Hopkins, being an RA goes beyond basic duties. She interlaces identity and building a diverse community.
“It means being an educator, resource, leader, or shoulder to lean on,” Hopkins explained. “Every day brings new challenges and experiences. My favorite aspect is being able to make a difference within the community. Building incredible connections with residents that I otherwise may never have known, and building lifelong relationships with coworkers and professional staff has not only given me a sense of purpose but also given me a beautiful and diverse community of people to learn from and laugh with when I had previously felt alone.”
Regarding the door decorations, Hopkins remarked that her designs are personal as much as they are pop culture centric.
“My door decorations are my opportunity to share my love for art and detail toward craft with my residents,” said Hopkins. I like to incorporate my very niche interests as much as possible so the residents know a little bit about their RA when they arrive.”
Maddy Walter
Maddy Walter is a third-year RA in Woodland Hall studying forensic sciences and criminal justice as an integrated studies major. Her nominators credit her impeccable communication skills, an unwavering work ethic and a finesse for planning community events.
“Maddy's impact extends beyond her immediate responsibilities, leaving a lasting impression on both residents and fellow staff members,“ said nominator Tyler Singley.
Walter is heavily involved in student organizations in addition to her housing responsibilities. She is currently an administrative officer for the Criminal Justice Club and active in numerous other student organizations including the Fencing Club and the Crafting Club. For over three years, Walter has been a Cougar Village mailroom employee. Previously, she worked in Textbook Services and was a tour ambassador for Admissions. In her time as a student, resident and employee for SIUE, she has exhibited tremendous growth.
“I enjoy meeting new people and keeping an open mind to learn more about my residents, coworkers and fellow upper staff. I have always enjoyed learning more about diverse cultures and identities to make me understand more about the people I care about, and the RA role has aided me in strengthening my communication skills and relationship building.”
Walter has taken the SIUE Cold Case Course through the Illinois State Police twice, once as a student and again as a coordinator. She also is completing her internship through the prestigious state trooper organization and credits her education and experience at SIUE as her foundation.
“I am confident that I am on the right path,” said Walter. “I enjoy having a leadership role and I hope to continue to use what I have learned in SIUE Housing for a future career in criminal justice and forensic science. Additionally, I plan to eventually return to SIUE to partake in the forensic science master's program.”
Anjelikka Hopkins and Maddy Walter are twos exemplary RAs who have gone the extra mile for their residents. They have made an impression on their peers and supervisors with their candor and performance as emerging leaders, earning them the title of SIUE Difference Makers.
PHOTOS: Anjelikka Hopkins, Maddy Walter