Each year Housing Services honors a select number of outstanding resident/community assistants (RA/CAs)who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to leadership and academic excellence. Recipients of the award receive up to $500 in financial support. This year, five students were selected for the RA/CA Academic Scholarship.
Robbie Graham is a distinguished resident advisor on Watterson Towers floor A. Balancing his RA duties with extracurricular activities, Graham is an English advisory board member, the communications director of the a capella group The Clef Hangers, and enrolled in the accelerated education sequence for English at Illinois State.
“The first time we met, I know he was special,” said his supervisor. “Robbie has that thing, that ‘it’ factor. If there is anyone more deserving of a reward that would allow him to benefit the University, it would be Robbie.”
Graham acknowledges his supervisor and teammates as playing a pivotal role in his academic and personal journey. “Since I have started in the RA role, my RHC, Jon McEwen, as well as my teammates in A House … have helped me learn a lot about the RA role. I always know that I am supported and that anyone on my team will help me in any way they can.”
Graham is recognized by staff and friends as being a hardworking student and an effective leader as an RA.
“Robbie always lets his residents know about events as soon as possible and creates a safe place within our floor,” said a student on Robbie’s residential hall.
Graham aims to use the financial support received from the award to help lessen the effect of student loan debt on his college experience.
“The financial implications of furthering my education have been a pressing concern,” Graham said. “By covering a spectrum of costs associated with attending college, the [RA/CA Academic Scholarship] becomes a formidable ally in reducing my reliance on student loans.”
The RACA Academic Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of our community. Head to Giving.IllinoisState.edu for information on how you can contribute to student success and give back to our housing family.
