A Look Back: SIUE University Housing Residents, Groups and Programs Recognized with Regional and National Awards
The 2023-2024 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville academic year was an award-winning occasion for University Housing.
Early in the spring semester, the Of The Month (OTM) Regional winners were announced by the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) for February and March. Five of University Housing’s nominations received regional recognition and one received national recognition.
OTMs are campus nominated awards that are voted on across the country by the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). NRHH supports monthly recognition of student staff, programs, professional staff, faculty and more through Of the Month (OTM) awards.
The nominations serve as a testament to the outstanding contributions and achievements within the University Housing community. Each OTM nomination is evaluated at the local, regional, and national levels, showcasing the remarkable efforts of individuals and programs.
First Year Student
Anna Schleyhan
Resident Assistant
Justin Campbell
Student Staff
Joseph McClinton
Students Schleyhan, Campbell and McClinton’s nominations were examples of the student impact and commitment to empower diverse experiences within University Housing. The three nominees represented University Housing’s mission of fostering a quality living and learning environment that promotes student success.
Award-nominated and winning organization and events included the following:
Organization
Sister Circle is a University Housing Affinity Group that is for women of color living within University Housing. It is a safe space for students to be themselves and build relationships with other students/staff who look just like them. Each meeting has a different focus and activity that brings residents together in a safe space while bringing residents who look similar closer together.
Social Program
Thanks to the Woodland Area Council and advisors, WHAC Munch Madness was a social program held at the start of March Madness. Area Council members provided a fun and safe environment for students to socialize and make connections with each other. At this event, students dined at a walking taco bar while filling out blank March Madness brackets.
November National Winner
WHAC Holiday Cards Event Service won a regional award in November for their service and continued to win national recognition. Woodland Hall Area Council gathered their residents to make holiday cards for local retirement centers. This event gathered residents within Woodland Hall to participate in a hands-on activity that went beyond the walls of their building to support the Edwardsville community.
In addition to the OTM Awards, Josie Palitzsch, assistant director of residence life at both Bluff and Evergreen Hall, and Kiya Rainey, resident assistant at Woodland Hall, were awarded the Phenomenal Wom*n Award from SIUE Kimmel Belonging & Engagement Hub. This award is given to wom*n on campus who demonstrate, through their works, a remarkable character through empathy and acceptance.
University Housing proudly celebrates the achievements of all its winners, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the University Housing community. For more information about Of the Month nominations, contact Josie Palitzsch at (618) 650-4629 or jpalitz@siue.edu.
PHOTOS: SIUE students and housing residents Joe McClinton, Anna Schleyhan and Justin Campbell
