Rho Alpha Sigma is an honors organization that recognizes Resident Assistants’ outstanding efforts from campuses across the nation.
Evan Huckfeldt, assistant director of housing operation in Residence Life, introduced this organization to Stevenson University in 2016. The honorary’s exclusive focus on Residence Life distinguishes itself from other clubs and organizations.
Club members account for nearly 10 percent of the campus residents assistants, and only six members can be inducted on a yearly basis. In order to join, residents must submit an application along with a nomination form from the applicant themselves or another individual.
They must also have a minimum cumulative GPA 3.0, be at least a current sophomore at Stevenson, be in the second semester as an RA, and be involved in service and/or leadership roles.
Applicants must be in good academic standing with Stevenson University, and have served as a Resident Assistant for at least two semesters. Applications are viewed anonymously by current members, and decisions are based on background checks and student accomplishments.
“This club benefits the Stevenson community and its students through acts of service engagement,” said Cory Ott, a member of Rho Alpha Sigma. Members are responsible for planning activities and events that embody Stevenson’s core values: a commitment to Community, Learning, Excellence, and Integrity.
One such event that Rho Alpha Sigma took part in involved a trip to Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. Advisor to the club, Joy Codilla, said, “Rho Alpha Sigma asked all 64 RAs to create as many cards as possible for Valentine’s Day for the children and staff at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. The RAs were able to give over 130 cards to the hospital by asking their friends, clubs, and residents to help!”
On Valentines day Joy and Anzetta Cherry, another member of Rho Alpha Sigma, visited children at Mt. Washington and handed out Valentine’s Day cards to the children.
“The visit was really great. We were able to see the different things the facility has to help families and the patients, such as relaxing rooms with lights for infants, to play rooms, and an indoor pool” Joy Codilla said.
According to Cherry, “It is a close-knit club where individuals are driven and want to make a difference on campus one way or another.”
Dave Steinwedel contributed to this article.