UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State National Residence Hall Honorary organization strives to foster community on campus.
The National Residence Hall Honorary, NRHH, was founded in 1964 under the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, NACURH. It seeks to acknowledge students who go above and beyond in serving their residential community. The Penn State chapter was founded in 1984.
“At the national level, NRHH provides a network for students to get to know people from other campuses and bring back different ideas to their campuses to improve on-campus life,” said Ben Lakavage, president of Penn State NRHH. “The big focus of NRHH is leadership in service and recognition of leadership.”
Lakavage, a fifth-year international affairs student, has been involved with NRHH since his sophomore year. He served as programming chair in his fourth year.
“I’ve met a lot of my friends through NRHH,” Lakavage said. “I think it’s a great space to meet people with similar interests of supporting the community and doing good stuff for the campus. It’s also a great service opportunity.”
Lakavage said NRHH is looking to grow its membership. The group is focusing on organizing events for students and collaborating with other organizations — including the residence hall student governments. Recently, NRHH has held a Stuff-a-Plush event in Pollock, a Bob Ross painting event in East and a Bingo Night in North.
“We’re just looking to give back to the community and have something fun for students, especially during midterms,” Lakavage said. “It can be really stressful, so it’s nice to be able to go to an event and just relax and have a good time with your friends.”
NRHH will host a spring festival from 1 to 5 p.m. on April 2 in the North quad. There will be refreshments such as snow cones and cotton candy, as well as activities like a mechanical-bull ride and a tie-dye station. Students are encouraged to follow @psunrhh on Instagram for updates on the organization’s upcoming events.
For first-year psychology student Hope Butler, being a member of NRHH is about “seeing more than yourself.”
“While it may look good on a resume, if you care about getting involved and being connected to people … this is the organization to go to, because we can give you the proper resources,” said Butler. “If you have enough motivation, people in this organization will follow you and back you up.”
As a first-year computer science engineering student, Sierra Schmidt said joining NRHH allowed her to connect with more people on campus.
“When most people come to campus, they don’t really know other people. I live in Simmons Hall and not many people really talk to each other within the hall itself. By going to NRHH events, I’ve actually had the opportunity to see people and say ‘Oh, I have a class with you,'” said Schmidt, social chair and director of marketing. “This brings a lot more people together.”
NRHH also serves as an advocate for students to the University, said secretary and event planner Igor Latsanych.
“It’s our duty to promote different organizations and opportunities on campus that students can use to improve their mental well-being, academic performance and, most importantly, just to have somebody to talk to about issues they are facing,” said Latsanych, a second-year international relations student.
NACURH hosts an annual conference to provide NRHH members with leadership tools and resources. In past years, there have been workshops about diversity, equity and inclusion, sign language, public speaking, and community building. Lakavage said this trip is one of his favorite NRHH events.
NRHH recognizes the efforts of its participants through the Bronze Pin and the Diamond Award. According to the NRHH website, the Bronze Pin is the highest honor given by the NRHH president. It is awarded to individuals who have “provided leadership and direction to their campus organizations.” The Diamond Award recognizes members who have reached beyond their campus by collaborating with another NRHH chapter to serve both communities.
NRHH also gives “Of the Month” awards. These are voted on at the Penn State NRHH level first, but there is an opportunity for the submission to progress to regional and national NRHH voting.
To be an NRHH member, students must be enrolled as a full-time student, have at least a 2.5 GPA and serve as a leader on campus. RAs, members of student government and leaders of non-Residence Life clubs are some of the individuals who have been involved with NRHH.
Students must also live on campus to join NRHH, but they are permitted to move off campus after they are accepted — as long as they stay involved with the campus community.
NRHH meets from 3 to 4 p.m. every Sunday in the Redifer Cultural Lounge, Room 27. Lakavage encourages students to stop by and get involved.
Those interested in joining NRHH can fill out an online application. The applications will be reviewed by the Penn State chapter, as well as the national governing body. Questions can be directed to Lakavage via email, bzl5349@psu.edu.