Resident Assistants go to SWACUHO Conference

Seven Texas A&M University-Commerce Resident Assistants and their advisor recently attended the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers RA Conference in San Antonio, TX.

From October 18-20, Rebecca Malmberg, Valnesha Rabon, Sam Olvera, Oscar Goana, Bri Stowers, Katia Gonzalez, Brittany Anderson and their advisor, Michelle McGhee, were joined by more than 413 RAs from across the states of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The SWACUHO RA Conference is held as an effort to provide RAs and other residence life student workers with the chance to share, learn and celebrate the work they do in campus housing and residence life. This year's theme was ‘Color Me RADICAL: Resident Assistants Developing Inclusive Communities Altering Lives'.

“I am so proud of the RAs at this university,” said John Kaulfus, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Campus Life and Student Development. “From the first day of training, I could tell that this was a special group of young men and women. To be recognized for excellence by your peers is one of the highest honors imaginable and so deserved by this outstanding group of student leaders!”

The A&M-Commerce RAs attended programs and sessions to further their experience and to help them with their jobs. Leadership skills, problem solving, improving hall and floor programs, and encouraging diversity and inclusiveness were among the topics covered. At the conclusion of the conference, the group brought home the ‘Best Banner for a Large Delegation' award.

“I am excited about the win for A&M Commerce, Residential Living and Learning department, but mostly for the Resident Assistants who worked many long hours and came up with a very artistic and spirited banner to represent us all,” said Dennis Koch, Director of Residential Living and Learning. “Students who have this much pride, positive energy, and creativity are what make our university the place where you can expect excellence.”

For more information about A&M-Commerce Residence Life, visit https://www.tamuc.edu/CampusLife/housing/default.aspx.