Brock staff and students who contribute to the family feel of life in residence were recognized during a celebration on campus last week.

More than 100 awards were presented at the 37th annual Residence Awards, held in Lowenberger Dining Hall on Friday, April 5.

“The great part of these awards is watching everyone’s unbridled enthusiasm about residence life,” said Jamie Fleming, Brock’s Director of Residences. “It’s a good vibe. Everyone is genuinely pleased for whomever is receiving an award.”

Fleming said everyone in attendance has contributed to residence life in some way, each doing their part to create the welcoming atmosphere it is known for.

“Residence is more than just a place to eat and sleep. It’s about the people,” he said.

Tammy Brown (MEd ’04), Manager, Residence Admissions and Administration, earned the Les McCurdy-Myers Award for her dedication to student leadership development.

“Tammy is a valued resource and is constantly striving to provide the best possible experience for our students,” said Fleming.

When Brown began working in Residences in 1995, there was an underlying theme that made an impression on her, one that still carries on today.

“It’s all about family,” she said. “When I first started, there were six of us working full time in the Department of Residences. Now there are 22 full time staff.

“The family has grown quite a bit, but we are all still connected. We all enjoy our jobs and we love working with the students.”

Brown spent each of her five years as a student in residence.

“And I’ve never left the field. I find it rewarding to work with students,” she said. “We see them at some of the best times of their lives and at some of their darkest, but I like knowing that someone is there for them, to support them and help guide them into the transition of adulthood.”

The event’s other major award winners include Rachel Handley, Don of the Year; Will Durward, Head Resident of the Year; and Avery Erickson, Student of the Year.

Kavya Kamalasanan Nandalan received the Shaeffe Hall Award, given to a student in residence with high academic standing and who has made a worthy contribution to residence life.

The McBride Award, given to one student in every residence hall for contributing to the quality of residence life, was presented to: Carl Chunta (DeCew), Nicole Laframboise (Earp), Hana Mohamed Farook (Quarry View), Avery Erickson (Lowenberger) and Sarah Taylor (Village).

“It’s exciting to see the growth in residence, which has evolved over time,” said Brown. “Events and programs focus on different things and the students’ interests are different. We have residence curriculum now instead of just learning outcomes or program requirements. We provide students with opportunities to grow, try things out and make mistakes, so that we can help them learn and grow.

“I think everyone should live in residence, even if only for a year,” she said, “because it will have an immeasurable impact on you as a person.”