Eastern Michigan University’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) scooped up many awards during the Michigan Organization of Residence Hall Associations yearly conference last weekend at Grand Valley State University.
MORHA is a statewide organization dedicated to fostering communication and networking between the different residence hall organizations in universities across Michigan.
By providing a strong framework of communication through meetings, conferences, shared resources and different networking efforts, MORHA helps to develop leaders across the state as well as make the on-campus living experience a more dynamic and exciting environment.
EMU sent 12 delegates to the conference where they learned new programs to bring back to the residence halls and learn more about how other RHA’s work.
This year’s theme was ‘Tune Into Leadership’ and centered around 90’s television shows. EMU’s television show was ‘The Wild Thornberrys,’ and presented four programs this year.
Ten different schools attended the conference, which included Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Saginaw Valley State University, the University of Michigan, Baker College of Owosso, Western Michigan University and EMU. Awards are given out based on the bids that are turned in prior to the conference.
EMU took home every award they bid for, which included Program of the Year for Late
Nite Breakfast at DCFun, Executive Board Member of Year Marisa Zanotti and RHA of the Year. EMU was also given awards for best banner and best display.
“This is our second year winning RHA of the Year and we are very proud of the work we have done to achieve these awards.” said RHA Vice President Marisa Zanotti. “To know that our work is being recognized state wide is a great feeling. Many of our programs were collaborations with the amazing organizations on EMU’s campus so we are very thankful for them as well.”
Some awards are decided by the MORHA Executive Board, made up of people from different MORHA schools.
Other awards are decided on by the Michigan Communication Coordinators. Each school has a coordinator that represents their school in the board room. EMU’s representative this year was Brittany Gross. RHA President Samantha Stamper also serves on the MORHA board.
“I feel like the conference really displayed how hard we have worked this year. After EMU’s success at last year’s MORHA conference, we had some big shoes to fill, but we knew that we could do it and we did,” said Stamper.
“RHA of the Year two years in a row is not an easy thing to do. There is a lot of work and dedication that went into it and we are so proud of what we have been able to accomplish this year.”
