Students on the CSU campus say they appreciate the efforts of the Residence Life staff in creating safe, supportive and inclusive learning communities. Outside of CSU, Residence Life efforts also are being recognized at the state and regional levels, through several awards received recently from professional organizations in higher education.
Outstanding staff
Residence Director Ashley Grice recently received two prestigious honors: one for her work on the CSU campus enhancing awareness, education and understanding about social justice and another for being exemplary as a new professional in the field of student affairs.
Grice received the coveted Professional Social Justice Action Award from the 62-member Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO). She also received the New Professional Award from the College Personnel Association of Colorado (CPAC) for her work growing, nurturing, challenging and educating not only herself, but also for her residence hall staff and CSU students in the areas of diversity, inclusion and social justice.
Assistant Residence Director JR Rosario, a graduate student in CSU’s Student Affairs in Higher Education program, was also recognized by CPAC as the Outstanding Graduate Student of the year. Rosario was selected based on his work creating meaningful partnerships on campus, maintaining a high level of personal drive to support change in the department, and exploring and promoting Social Justice initiatives in the department and beyond — all while supporting students in leadership positions and students in crisis.
“We are thrilled that both Ashley and JR are being recognized regionally for their extraordinary work with students,” said CSU Director of Residence Life Laura Giles. “We know how outstanding they are, and now others do as well. It is well-deserved recognition.”
Programs that stand out in higher education
Residence Life student leadership groups on the CSU campus have also received recognition. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) were honored among peer institutions for outstanding achievements on campus and regionally. RHA received School of the Year, and NRHH received Chapter of the Year, both of which are the highest honors that member schools can attain from the Intermountain Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (IACURH) – a student-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving residence halls in seven U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
