Senior Resident Assistant Caj Kueffer thinks of Bennett Hall as his second family.
Kueffer said he wants the opportunity to know each of the residents like a brother or sister.
“We want Ottawa University to accommodate the needs of all types of people,” he said. “We hope that anyone, from any background will call their dorm ‘home’ because they feel loved here.”
Kueffer said many of the activities that have already been held have successfully brought different types of people together.
Michael Matos, sophomore Brown Hall RA, said the ping-pong tournament that he organized in Brown Hall had the largest attendance so far.
“It had a great turn out,” he said. “We had over 40 students compete and about 65 students just watching and cheering. I set up play with a single elimination style bracket, it was awesome. In the end we had Olive Palu win the whole tournament. He got a gift card and a championship belt.”
Each RA has the opportunity to share personal interests as well as activities that interest the entire hall. Junior Brown Hall RA Whitney Bowen said she has organized two events already this year.
“I had the STD Awareness with the school nurse and over 50 students attended,” she said.
Bowen also organized an event for national chicken month, which is September. Several students gathered to cook and serve their favorite chicken dishes.
Matos said the RAs are open and available to every student for whatever needs may arise.
“We make sure we’re there for the students mentally and physically. As an RA I like to interact with the students, letting them know that if they need anything they can just knock,” he said.
Kueffer said some may feel uncomfortable coming to someone they don’t know very well for help so the RAs work hard to get to know their hall and become a trusted confidante.
“I believe the best way for us to do this is by building relationships with the residents and becoming friends that they can trust and rely on when the tough times hit,” he said “Being approachable, setting an example and having optimism are all positive traits of an RA.”
One of the activities planned this semester is the Hall Olympics which will consist of three competitions in arts, academics, and athletics categories. All three halls will be involved in the competition.