The University of Akron was chosen as School of the Year 2019 at the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (CAACURH) conference this past weekend, which was held at West Virginia University.
(Pictured above are Matt Hohman, left, president of the Richard L. Hansford Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and Klay Kahle, president of Residence Hall Council, who accepted the award on behalf of UA.)
Of the 50 affiliated schools in the region, six schools wrote and developed 30-page bids to highlight their co-curricular excellence on campus. In the University of Akron bid, the work of Residence Hall Council, National Residence Hall Honorary, Residence Hall Program Board, Sigma Lambda Honorary, Hall Government and Residential Education were all highlighted.
In addition to UA, the other contenders for School of the Year were the University of Delaware, Miami University, Wright State University, University of Maryland and The Ohio State University.
Now, the UA team will update its bid and submit it to the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) to be one of eight schools considered as National School of the Year. This award will be selected at the NACURH Annual Conference by the organization's Board of Directors and it will be presented at Louisiana State University on June 2.
"I am very excited that this impressive group of students has been recognized regionally for their efforts in providing wonderful programs and support to our residence hall students," says Dr. Melinda Grove, director of residence life and housing. "In addition, I am very proud of their advisors, Tiffany Schmidt and Tom Faessel, for providing a positive environment in which these students can grow their leadership skills and abilities.
"This award highlights the quality of our residential program, and I am hopeful that the NACURH Board of Directors will also see that when they vote in June for the national award," adds Grove.
The NACURH School of the Year Award is the highest honor member schools can attain, and UA has won it in 1992 and 2000. It recognizes outstanding achievements on the campus level by a residence hall organization and affiliated groups, as well as contributions on regional and national levels.
Matt Hohman, left, president of the Richard L. Hansford Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and Klay Kahle, president of Residence Hall Council, accepted the award on behalf of UA.