University News

WIU Students Honored at Virtual IRHA Conference

February 23, 2021

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MACOMB, IL -- Several Western Illinois University students were honored during the Illinois Residence Hall Association (IRHA) Virtual Leadership Conference Feb. 20-21, hosted by Northern Illinois University.

The conference is made up of Illinois schools, and the weekend is dedicated to showing school spirit, attending and presenting programs and showcasing and learning what other schools around the state are doing.

WIU students who attended include junior nursing major Brooke Barnes, of Plainfield; freshman University advising major Jon'a Levi, of Bettendorf, IA; freshman art major Rivers Ashton, of Lincolnton, NC; freshman music education major Makenna Frank, of Mackinaw, IL; senior biology major Morgan Knutsen, of Machesney Park, IL; senior hospitality major Adam Blue, of Jacksonville, IL; junior psychology major Curtis Pointer, of University Park, IL; sociology graduate student Davora Buchanan, of Chicago, IL; sophomore history major Jordan Rouse, of Macomb; freshman music major Jasmine Hennessee, of Rochelle, IL; senior recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA) major Sarah Kallbrier, of Carlinville, IL; sophomore special education major Sadie Markley, of Table Grove, IL; senior physics major Sadie Nickles, of Clinton, IA; and freshman psychology major Skylah Richardson, of Chicago. Additionally, college student personnel graduate student Mariah Slaughter, of Atwood, IL, served as the advisor for the group and senior elementary education major Tea Wheat, of Brookfield, IL, served as the IRHA 2020-2021 president.

Before the conference, students wrote bids, which are documents highlighting campus and student excellence.

At the conference, Western Illinois University won the following awards:
• President of the Year (Knutsen)
• NRHH Member of the Year (Barnes)
• First Year Student of the Year (Levi)
• Best Roll Call Video
• Best Delegation Banner
• Most Spirited Delegation
• Best Community Service

Additionally, WIU submitted two programs to be presented at the conference. The following programs and presenters were:
• Vegetarianism - Blue
• Tree of Humanity - Barnes and Levi

"I am so proud of our student leaders here on campus," said Associate Vice President of Student Services John Biernbaum. "Even through unprecedented times, they have remained positive and found creative ways to make a difference in our residence hall communities. Western has been very fortunate to have a long history of top-notch leaders in IHC and NRHH and this group is simply continuing that legacy."

For more information about Inter-Hall Council at WIU visit bit.ly/WIUinvolvement.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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