For the second year in a row, Towson University’s University Residence Government program has won the regional School of The Year award from the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls.
The region includes schools in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, D.C. and West Virginia.
URG is composed of 150 general members and nine executive board members, and acts as a liaison between on-campus residents and administration. Members also plan events in the residence halls and campus-wide events.
URG secretary Michaela Nesmith said she believes URG won the award because of the uniqueness of the group.
“All other schools have Residence Hall Associations and we are the only URG in the nation,” Nesmith said.
Other institutions rely on fundraising, but Towson’s URG is funded directly from the University, which is beneficial, URG Communications Coordinator Becca Nappi said.
“We at URG have a much better channel of communication with administrators in Towson,” Nappi said.
The organization prides itself on fostering a positive attitude for the students, Nappi said.
“This family feeling and competitive drive is what pushes URG to create, provide and explore new activities, events and initiatives for everyone living on-campus,” she said.
Nesmith was an active member of the organization for the past two years and helped organize some of the larger URG-sponsored events on campus.
“I think I Heart Female Orgasm is one of the best events,” Nesmith said. “It’s a comedic take on sex education.”
Nappi said another most successful event was The Phoenix Games spring 2012.
“The event featured teams from each residence hall competing against each other in various sports including volleyball, flag football, soccer, and team building activities” Nappi said. “It was an extremely fun day that brought out a lot of people from around campus.”