Friday, February 28, 2020 Student leaders, advisor, earn awards at residence halls conference
Four student leaders and their advisor represented Nebraska at the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (MACURH) conference in early February. Left to right: Cierra O’Shields, Nathan Franz, Jacob Sherry, Kaylee Richardson and Oscar Canizales.
Two first-year students and their advisor received awards for outstanding residence hall leadership in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) at the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (MACURH) conference in early February.
Nathan Franz, who lives in Abel Hall and is majoring in political science and economics, serves as the national communications coordinator for RHA, a role that earned him the Golden Cowbell pin. The pin is given for outstanding leadership and service to the region and for accomplishments in assisting a regional board member. Franz also was named the 2020-21 associate director of administration and finance for MACURH and will serve on the National Board of Directors for the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).
“As a freshman, I would never have imagined myself serving on the regional and national boards,” Franz said, noting his excitement to make a difference at the campus, regional and national levels.
Oscar Canizales, who lives in Smith Hall and is majoring in criminology, was awarded the First-Year Experience Award for his outstanding contributions as a first-year student living in the residence halls, serving in leadership positions in the MACURH and NACURH and helping to improve the residence hall experience on campus. Canizales says as a first-generation student, it’s “a humbling feeling.”
”I’m doing everything possible to make college an incredible experience," Canizales said.
Jacob Sherry, RHA and NRHH advisor, was recognized with the Mabel Strong Outstanding Advisor award.
“Being an advisor, you don’t always get the chance to see the full impact you have on your students,” Sherry said, noting he only began his role with at Nebraska in August, 2019.
Tony Rathgeber, interim associate director of Residence Life, connected Sherry’s accomplishments to the Husker Student POWER initiative, which aims to develop engaging communities where residents can have transformational experiences, connect to campus resources and create relationships.
“Jacob sees the value of leadership development and has made huge strides in developing student engagement.” Rathgeber pointed to Sherry’s lead in creating the RHA Leadership Summit that held over a dozen sessions on effective leadership.
NRHH and RHA’s upcoming leadership activities include St. Baldrick’s Shave for the Brave on April 16, sponsored by NRHH, and RHA participating in the Green Bandana project, bringing mental health awareness to students on campus. For more information on NRHH and RHA, contact Jacob Sherry, 402-472-7987.