History
Of NRHH
(from the
NRHH page)
In 1964, the National Association of College and Univeristy
Residence Halls (NACURH), Inc. found itself with financial difficulties. Jim
Tschechtelin, NACURH Chair, began investigating possibilities for potential
revenue sources and grants. Grants were found, but there were two requirements:
a central NACURH office had to be established, and the member schools needed
more services rendered. Thus, the National Residence Hall Honorary was put forth
as an answer to the second requirement.
During the preliminary organization, the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
focused on the incorporation of old into new. Campuses with existing honorary
organizations were contacted and coordinated into the NRHH structure. The
preservation of chapter identity was primary, as it was incorporated into the
NRHH structure, and as each campus is aware of its own individual needs. The
primary focus of each chapter became the recognition of the residence hall
leaders on its campus. This helped sustain a consistent membership in on-campus
organizations as well as on the regional and national level within NACURH.
The years between 1977 and 1987 were years of growth for the NRHH. Pins and
certificates were produced to recognize the members of the Honorary, the
tradition of regional and national receptions during conferences began and
formal recruitment and affiliation packets were produced. Regional Recruiter
(now called Associate Directors) positions on regional boards were also
established. Many awards were established including Program, National
Communications Coordinator, Advisor, Student, and Resident Assistant Of The
Month Awards as well as Outstanding Chapter of the Year.
Today, over 170 chapters are affiliated with the National Residence Hall
Honorary National Office. Activities of the chapters vary from campus to campus.
Some simply induct new members at an annual recognition banquet this year, thus,
an honorary chapter. The chapter members represent the top 1% of the student
leaders on campus and are those who have contributed extraordinary amounts of
personal time and energy in order to make the residence halls more than a
"dorm."
The
Symbols of NRHH
The symbol for NRHH is that of a diamond surrounding the letters of the
organization, and the three interconnected lines, the chain of leadership. The
diamond,the world's most precious gem, signifies the value and beauty one finds
in the residence halls experience.
The first link of the chain represents caring. Leaders are people who care. They
are concerned about themselves and others, and are committed to making things
better.
The second link signifies dedication. Part of a leader's commitment is the
dedication to cause which they display. Dedicatoin is an important part of the
involvement required to be truly effective.
The third link represents participation. True leaders participate fully in their
academic pursuits, their friendships, their activities, and their lives. Leaders
don't sit on the sidelines, but are competent team players.
Together the unbroken chain symbolizes the membership of NRHH. As leaders we are
interconnected as caring and dedicated participants in the community of your
university.