Saint Mary's students traveled to the University of Indianapolis to participate in the Indiana Residence Hall Organization Conference with 12 other schools from the state.
Twelve of 13 women went to learn about campus venues offered at other colleges and universities, and hopefully implement them at Saint Mary's in the future. Francis Bruder, a national communicator coordinator for the Residence Hall Association and a Saint Mary's student, sat on a board and judged presentations or bids that reflect each school's accomplishments.
"[It gives us a] chance to network with other RHAs, to forms bonds and connections with other students who could have an idea with what we're going through," Saint Mary's RHA president Shay Jolly said of the conference.
This year, Saint Mary's won the bid against one other school for school of the year. In this competition, five Saint Mary's women presented a 20-page bid that included all of the activities the College has done for its women in the areas of academics, athletics, student life, service and student government.
Each woman described what has happened in the past year with each category. Many topics were discussed including tutoring, Reading Day, layout of student government, the newly-made fight song, classes being offered, new apartments and programming for campus clubs and events. The bid was presented to the representatives from the schools that attended the conference.
"The title of school of the year could not have been earned without every single person's help," Jolly said.
Saint Mary's also captured third in the spirit bid and third for the banner bid.
Jackie Wright, the new assistant director of the Indiana Residence Hall Organization also received this position through presenting her bid. She will be in charge of taking roll and minutes and relaying information to and from delegates in each college and university in Indiana. Wright hopes to establish an effective system of communication and implement programs from other colleges.
Through these awards, Jolly hopes that the student body will recognize the organization's hard work.
"We've jumped over so many bounds this past year; it's amazing," she said. "We are doing things to better the school."
