Welcome to Loyola College’s NRHH Chapter:
Ridley-Hartley Residence Hall Honorary
“We spruce up Loyola!”
Of The Month (OTM) Award Description “Of the Month” awards are recognition awards that each NRHH chapter gives out on their own campuses. The purpose of these awards is to recognize those individuals or organizations that go above and beyond in a particular month. “Of the month” awards are more commonly known simply as “OTM” awards. “OTM” awards are given out in the beginning weeks of the month following the month in which the outstanding behavior or contribution was recognized. This allows the NRHH chapter to take all events into consideration that happened during the entire month. At the conclusion of the month, the NRHH chapter determines its nominees and winners in specific categories. “OTM” categories include: Advisor, Resident Assistant, RAC executive board member, Organization, Community, Spotlight, Educational Program, Social Program, Diversity Program, and Community Service Program. Further information on the program categories and “OTM” details can be found here by clicking on the ABC’s of NRHH manual.
Loyola’s NRHH chapter welcomes nominations for its “OTM” awards. Please submit your suggestion with as much detailed as you can about the individual, organization, or program to NRHH@loyola.edu. In addition to providing recognition on Loyola’s campus, Loyola’s “OTM” winners are submitted to the Regional Board. If an individual is the Regional winner, they are then submitted to possibly become a National “OTM” winner. To ensure that “OTM” nominations reach the regional board by its deadline, we ask that you have all nominations in to OTM@loyola.edu no later than the 6th of the month following the month in which you want to recognize. (For example September OTM nominations need to be in no later than October 6th). OTM Winners!
MARCH 2007 WINNERS:
Educational Program:
Baltimore’s Big 3 Lecture: Marion Orr’s Lecture on “The State of Education in Baltimore”
As part of Loyola’s Year of the City commitment, Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Justice, Office of Academic Affairs and Diversity, and Council of Academic Deans have joined together to present the Loyola community with Baltimore’s Big 3 series. The entire series focused on the state of health, housing, and education in Baltimore. During the month of March, Marion Orr who is the Fred Lippitt Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Political Science at Brown University spoke. Marion Orr spoke about the state of the education system in Baltimore. This program was chosen because of its goal to continue exploring and promoting justice and the College’s Year of the City initiative reaffirming Loyola’s relationship with the City of Baltimore.
Community Service Program: Loyola’s 3rd Annual Relay for Life Event
On Saturday, March 31, 2007, Loyola participated in the American Cancer Society’s 3rd annual Relay for Life at Loyola. As is the case every year, RFL was well attended not only by a majority of the college community, but by people from the Baltimore Area, surrounding colleges and universities, and a large group from the U.S. Naval Academy. The event, in which students and participants raise funds by collecting donations through a variety of means, was an all night affair, lasting from 7pm Saturday until 7am Sunday morning. This year’s RFL included food and student bands in McGuire Hall; with Reitz Arena filled with tents, sleeping bags, baked goods being sold at tables, and the track for walking. There was even a table set up by the ACS to provide women with free mammograms. Perhaps the most moving part of the event came during the Luminara ceremony, where bags with the names of cancer survivors, victims, and those currently struggling with cancer were lit up, while the arena lights dimmed and the Belles sang a multitude of songs. During the ceremony, all of the participants walked around Reitz Arena in silence, reflecting on those whose lives have been affected by cancer. While RFL had somber and reflective moments, overall, it was a celebration: a celebration of the courage of those who’ve fought cancer. Because of RFL’s overwhelming level of success and participation, and because of its emphasis on spreading hope and raising funds for a worthy cause, NRHH is proud to recognize it as March’s Community Service Program “Of the Month.”
Diversity Program: Spectrum’s Sexual Diversity Awareness Week
Spectrum’s Sexual Diversity Awareness Week, which began, during the 2001-2002 school year, took place March 18th though 22nd. Spectrum is devoted to making Loyola tolerant and accepting of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) community. Spectrum invited all individuals who aim is to promote the Jesuit ideal of creating men and women for others both to participate and encourage participation in Sexual Diversity Week Activities. This week is aimed at exposing and discussing issues relevant to the GLBT community both at Loyola and the American society at large. By promoting the issues related to sexual diversity and the lives and experiences of sexual minorities, Spectrum hopes to effect a college environment where homophobia and hatred are replaced by understanding, acceptance, and inclusiveness.
Organization: Dance Company
Dance Company is an all-student run organization, whose weekly classes are taught by dedicated student dancers who are committed to sharing their skills, time, and talents. The Dance Company holds auditions during the first few weeks of school. No one is cut from the Dance Company. Instead all who audition are placed into either beginning, intermediate, or advanced level classes based upon their talent. All classes are taught by Dance Company members who have been with the Dance Company at least one year. This year the Dance Company was pleased to offer classes in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, modern, pointe, and hip hop. New to the class list this year were Irish dance and musical theatre. Class sizes range from as small as 5 students and as large as 35, but on average they have about 14-22 dancers. Classes meet once a week for an hour starting in October. During these classes dancers go through a warm up, floor routines, and small choreographed dances. Since the Dance Company is a student run organization they rely heavily upon fundraisers to provide them with money to pay for their costs. Each year the Dance Company puts on performances and money from these performances goes to paying for practice space, costumes, and performance spaces. The costumes that are bought become the property of the Loyola College Dance Company and are used in future performances. When old costumes are no longer needed, the Dance Company donates them to local charities.
Loyola’s NRHH is pleased to award Loyola College’s Dance Company with March’s Organization “Of the Month” award due to their success as a student run organization and because of their successful spring 2007 Dance Show held in March. The dance show is the 13th annual show and included dances choreographed by the students. The final product was a combination of their creative energy as well as their commitment, talent, and passion. A total of 30 different dances were performed and all who were present enjoyed the outstanding performances. This years show was sold out which continues to show how successful this organization is.
RAC Executive Board Member: Samantha Claricia Samantha (Sam) Claricia is the treasurer for Resident Affairs Council. Throughout the year Sam is responsible for making sure that RAC and its members stay within its budget for all events being run. Additionally Sam works with Sean Dowd, an Assistant Director for Student Life, to provide additional funding to the Resident Assistants for their programming when it is requested. Furthermore, Sam ensures that RAC keeps track of all the money it raises through its various fundraisers. In addition to these monthly responsibilities, Sam continues to go above and beyond for RAC. To date Sam has not missed a single RAC meeting. In the month of March Sam was responsible for inputting all the financial information for Little Siblings Weekend, which is no small task. Sam was also present for a majority of the events over Little Siblings weekend lending a helping hand to her RAC Peers. Due to her continued commitment and desire to go above and beyond, Sam has been awarded with RAC’s Executive Board Member OTM award for March 2007. Spotlight: African Student Union for African Diaspora Week This small club ambitiously made history at Loyola by joining forces with another club and spearheading a new annual week of cultural events dubbed AFRICAN DIASPORA WEEK. You can see the event line-up for the week which ran March 19-25th below. This week of amazing events celebrates the cultures of the world that hail from Africa and seeks to promote an understanding and appreciation of these rich cultures and people now spread all across the globe. ?Monday, March 19 Agoro Game Night ?Tuesday, March 20 Nigerian Movie Cinema ?Wednesday, March 21 Afro-Caribbean Fiesta ?Thursday, March 22 ASU Bake Sale ?Friday, March 23 Cultural Harmony Explosion ?Friday, March 23 Pizza Fundraiser for Darfur* ?Saturday, March 24 Trip to National Museum of African Art (DC) ?Sunday, March 25 Caribbean Brunch at Crossroads restaurant February 2007 Winners: Educational Program: “Race: Exploring America’s Agenda” with Kweisi Mfume On Thursday, February 1st, the Black Student Association and ALANA Services sponsored Kweisi Mfume's lecture on "Race: Exploring America's Agenda." This event opened Loyola's celebration of Black History Month. This year's theme for Black History Month was "B.L.A.C.K.: Broadening Loyola's Awareness & Cultural Knowledge." Kweisi Mfume's lecture did just that. His lecture focused on issues such as poverty, education, and even the war in Iraq. Through his experiences Kweisi Mfume has come to the realization that we need better government-run educational programs. Overall this lecture was extremely educational and provided the Loyola community with an enthusiastic start to Black History Month. That is why we have awarded the Black Student Association with Educational Program "Of the Month" award for February. Organization: CADETs Peer Educators The CADETs (Choice Alcohol and Drug Education Team) is a peer education group that is committed to increasing awareness about wellness issues related to drug and alcohol use. The CADETs have programs which they have designed and will present to groups of students upon requests from their peers, especially Resident Assistants. Each month the CADETS put on a Karaoke night which provides students with an opportunity to come out and sing some songs. This gives students an alternative to going out and/or using alcohol or drugs. In addition to its monthly karaoke, the CADETS put on an educational lecture in the month of February. On Tuesday, February 20th, “Party with a Plan” was presented with Randy Haveson as their guest speaker. Randy spoke with those present about his life and his struggles as an alcoholic. In addition to talking about his own life he gave tips to the audience about how to “Party with a Plan.” Randy’s plan is not to simply not drink, but is a guideline on how to drink responsibly and safely. He uses the 0-1-2-3 method. 0 is to choose not to have any drinks. This is your best option if you have not eaten adequately, or if you are stressed out, sick, or on medication. Additionally if you are under 21 this is your best option because of the many consequences of being caught drinking under age. If you do choose to drink then Randy continues by saying then only have 1 drink per hour. Never drink more than that because your metabolism can’t handle it. 2 is don’t drink more than 2 times a week. Refrain from consuming more than 3 drinks any time you go out. If you follow Randy’s 0-1-2-3 plan than you will remain in control when you drink. This program was beneficial to all who were present and was not the traditional don’t drink lecture. Due to the combination of the success of this lecture and the CADETs mission, they were chosen as Organization “Of the Month” for February 2007. January 2007 Winners: Program: Project Mexico For ten days in January, a team of eighteen students, two student leaders, two faculty/administrator/staff, and a program coordinator spent their time in an international immersion program that centers on the Tijuana border region. The Project Mexico team engaged in community directed cement projects, primarily focused on schools. This years student leaders were Greg Pace (’07) and Carolyn O’Neill (’07). As men and women for others the Project Mexico team spent last semester preparing themselves for the social justice issues which they would witness on their experience. Upon returning to Loyola’s campus the Project Mexico team hopes to "bring the spirit of Mexico back to Loyola" through a slideshow and presentation on the experiences they encountered on their trip. In addition the Project Mexico team was able to raise $35,000 for the cause at their Project Mexico auction held in November. Resident Assistant Omani Guy Despite the fact that January was a shortened month, Resident Assistant Omani Guy (’09) put in a great deal of enthusiasm and passion to kick off the beginning of the second semester. Omani planned and implemented two quality programs for the residents on the first and second floors in Butler Hall. These two programs were a "Welcome Back Pizza Party" to get his residents to reconnect after the break and "Snowy Fun" which had Omani and his residents enjoying the snow fall and sledding down the hill near the Library. Although these programs were specific for his floor, the impromptu "Snowy Fun" program lead to other Butler and Hammerman residents to join in the fun. Additionally Omani created a co-ed intramural soccer team for the residents of Butler Hall which he has continued to encourage the residents to participate in throughout the season. In addition to these programs Omani attended an in-service program which counts towards another requirement of his resident assistant position. Spotlight: Spotlight Players for “Wit” On the weekend of January 26th, The Spotlight Players continued with their tradition of highlighting specific social justice issues through theatrical productions by performing "Wit." "Wit" by Margaret Edson tells the story of a woman struggling with advanced ovarian cancer. Through the play, issues of medical ethics and the treatment of patients are presented and critiqued. Keeping with tradition Mary Czar (’07) was the student director. Proceeds from this theatrical production were donated to the Cancer Support Foundation. Due to its continued focus on social justice issues, we have chosen "Wit" and the Spotlight Players as our Spotlight "Of the Month" for January.
Nominations: If you wish to nominate a program or organization for an OTM award, please use the Program OTM form and submit it to nrhh@loyola.edu. If you wish to nominate an advisor, resident assistant, spotlight, or student for an OTM award, please fill out the Individual OTM form and submit it to nrhh@loyola.edu. Please complete these forms to the best of your ability. NRHH members will follow up on your nomination and research any missing information. Thank you for your help. |
