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Back to the top Joanie Schmidt, President of ACUHO-I
Joan Schmidt is the President of the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I). She is also the Associate Director for Residence Life at Central Michigan University.
"I would like to recognize all paraprofessional student staff members on 'Residence Hall Student Staff Recognition Day'. Whether you serve your campus as a Resident Assistant, Multicultural Advisor, Mentor, or in a similar position please realize that we could not function as a department without you. You make a difference every single day on every single campus and we sincerely appreciate the time, effort, passion and heart you put into everything you do.
Have a wonderful day that is set aside just for you!
Joanie Schmidt
ACUHO-I President"
Dr. Shalala is the current President of the University of Miami. She served during the Clinton administration as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. She has also served as the Chancelor at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the President of Hunter College of CUNY. Dr. Shalala has over 25 years of experience as an accomplished scholar, teacher, and administrator.
She states that her RA experience "brought her back to reality" during her Ph.D. studies, and has helped her to be more "student centered" in leading a university. She was kind enough to provide the following letter to recognize you, the student staff members who make our residence halls such great place to live and learn:
"February 20, 2002, is the International Residence Hall Student Staff Recognition Day, and you certainly deserve great credit and recognition for all that you do for our nation's students. Your role as a leader and a mentor to the students you serve does make a difference in their lives and the lives they will touch after they leave you. You face the challenge of being a friend and helping students make wise choices and learn life lessons.
You are the support that so many may have never had before. You are the encouragement that our students need to succeed. You are a key part of our higher education system, and you deserve this day of recognition. I am aware that your job is not an easy one, because I was an RA when I was at Syracuse; however, I do know it is an important position. Your willingness to serve, to lead, and to make a difference is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Donna E. Shalala"
*For a list of other well known former RAs, check out the ResidentAssistant.com website!
Each morning as I
roll from bed
I wonder what will lie ahead
What will I face out there today?
Welcome to the life of an RA.
Tornado warnings,
fire drills
Someone who took a chance with sleeping pills
Broken glass and broken hearts,
Roommate friendships torn apart.
Another party down
the hall
Another game of floor football
"Hey who began that water fight?"
"Who put in that porn on movie night?"
A six-page paper
still to write,
Four different meetings, all tonight,
Another one where I’m up late,
Oh well I’ll sleep after I graduate!
I often laugh, I
sometimes cry,
I almost daily wonder "why?"
Why do I take on all this stuff?
An RAs job is just too tough!!
But when I think I’ve
been stretched thin,
Someone asks, "Can I come in?"
"Thank you so much" they shyly say
"You really helped me out today."
Then suddenly my
mind is clear
And I remember why I’m here.
It’s so much more than room and board,
My staff
My floor
The best rewards.
In my three years as a Resident Assistant, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best residents that have ever passed through the halls of my university. My staff has sustained me, and I have never laughed so much as when I was working as a resident assistant.
Amy Webber (formerly Amy Connolly)
Co-Author, InspiRAtion for RAs
Former Resident Assistant at
Northern Illinois University
[email removed]
If you enter my room feeling lost
My hope is to show you direction.
If you enter my room full of tears
My hope is that you will leave with a smile.
If you enter my room feeling like a stranger
My hope is that when you leave,
We will know each other.
If you enter my room full of happiness
My hope is to share your excitement.
If you enter my room bothered by worry
My hope is that you will leave feeling at ease.
If you enter my room glowing with love
My hope is to share in your warmth.
If you enter my room bubbling with dreams
My hope is to watch them develop for you.
If you enter my room with a troubling problem
My hope is that you can confide in me.
If you enter my room
My hope is that we will both grow stronger.
Josh Feinblum
West Nottingham Academy - [email removed]
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