News Article

Four Gonzaga University students and one staff member recently received regional awards at the Pacific Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (PACURH) “No Frills” conference at Southern Oregon University.

Alex Nishi, of Issaquah, Wash., received both the Resident of the Year and Student of the Year awards. Michael Lemieux, of Bellevue, Wash., was recognized as the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Outstanding Member of the Year. Kat Brackmann, of Sammamish, Wash., was designated the Executive Board Member of the Year. Joe Matelich, of Great Falls, Mont., received the Resident Assistant of the Year award.

GU professional staff member Jill Yashinsky was honored with the Kenrick Ali Advisor of the Year award. Each winner will be considered for the national award in their category at the National Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) 2008 Conference, which will take place at Oklahoma State University in May.

Gonzaga’s Residence Hall Association and NRHH spent several months preparing for the “No Frills” conference by writing award bids. The organizations submitted a total of 10 bids, twice as many as any other school attending the conference and five times as many as Gonzaga submitted in previous years.
The conference, which was held Feb. 15-17, was a chance for several schools in the PACURH region to gather, share experiences and recognize student leaders, advisers and programming efforts.

For more information, contact Residence Director Jessica Porras at (509) 323-4160 or via e-mail.