Each year, University Housing Services has the privilege of providing financial support to resident and community assistants (RA/CAs) who have demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership performance as a student and members of our housing Redbirds. This year, three RACA Academic Scholarship Award winners were selected: Michael Severino, Kati Fuchs, and Kassidy Matykiewicz. Each student demonstrated excellence in their duties as a resident assistant (RA) and went above and beyond in fostering community and belonging on their floors.
Juggling teaching assistant roles, mathematics tutoring, and housing responsibilities, Severino has balanced a robust college schedule while excelling in his duties as an RA in Watterson Towers. His exceptional performance as an RA, commitment to forging meaningful connections with residents, leadership skills, and good academic standing made Severino an excellent candidate for the RACA Academic Scholarship.
Exceptional performance as an RA: Severino has exceeded the expectations of the position, actively working to create a safe and supportive community for his residents. Through hosting programs, activities, and engaging conversations, he has made his floor a safe space where residents’ mental health, physical safety, and overall well-being are a priority.
Meaningful one-on-one connections: Severino has built meaningful one-on-one connections with all his residents, going beyond the basic requirements of his role. He has fostered strong relationships with his residents by engaging in conversations beyond the usual responsibilities of a resident assistant, showing his dedication to their growth and well-being.
Academic excellence: Severino’s academic achievements are impressive, with a cumulative 4.0/4.0 GPA. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and secondary education and has demonstrated a commitment to his academic studies and leadership role as a resident assistant.
Engagement in campus activities: Severino excels academically and actively participates in various campus activities. His involvement in an acapella group, teaching assistant roles, mathematics tutoring, and research experiences highlights his dedication to personal growth, campus engagement, and leadership development.
Financial responsibility and leadership: Severino’s insight into the financial challenges many college students face is evident in his essay. He acknowledges the stress that financial burdens can create and recognizes the importance of balancing academics and financial responsibilities. His ability to manage these challenges while excelling in his RA role and other campus activities showcases his strong leadership skills and commitment to his responsibilities.
Severino’s exceptional performance as a resident assistant, commitment to fostering a supportive community, academic excellence, engagement in campus activities, and ability to manage financial responsibilities make him a highly deserving recipient of the Resident/Community Assistant Academic Scholarship Award.
