Centenary Delegation Earns Multiple Honors at SWACURH Regional Conference
Centenary College of Louisiana’s delegation earned multiple honors at the Southwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SWACURH) Regional Leadership Conference, held Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Students and staff received individual and group recognitions, including awards for the conference’s top three educational session presenters. Ja’Kyra Allen, Nevaeh Briscoe, and Kennadi St. Clair were recognized for their individual presentations, which explored leadership and community-building through the conference’s “Monsters University” theme. Allen presented “How to Build Your Perfect Oozma Kappa,” Briscoe led “Roaring Into Your Future With a Ravenous Appetite,” and St. Clair presented “Welcome to the Scare Floor: Making Your Hall Feel Like Home.”
Katherine Shamburger, Centenary’s director of residence life and student conduct and SWACURH regional advisor, emphasized the opportunities the conference provides for students to develop their leadership skills and exchange ideas with peers from other institutions. “This conference has several different avenues to learn and grow as leaders,” Shamburger said. Beyond educational sessions, students participated in roundtable discussions, connected with student leaders from across the region, and learned about initiatives that could be adapted to improve residence life at Centenary.
The delegation also received several individual recognitions. Grace Herpin, a Centenary student serving as SWACURH associate director for the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH); LA Easley, Centenary’s assistant director of residence life and delegation advisor; and Shamburger each received a Silver Feather pin. The award recognizes individuals who provide leadership and direction to regional board members during their terms. Allen and Beth Vogler received Golden Duck pins, which recognize delegates for their hard work, involvement, and dedication to the region during conferences. Centenary also placed second in the spirit competition and won the conference’s “duckoration” contest. Shamburger credited the students’ preparation and commitment for the results, noting that their involvement extended beyond the conference itself. “They did a lot of planning for this conference, and it showed in their results,” she said.
The experience also encouraged students to consider new ways of strengthening their own campus community. Shamburger recalled discussing ideas with students throughout the seven-hour drive home, many inspired by conversations they had during the conference. “For Centenary to do well, I think it showcases how special Centenary is. We’re the smallest affiliated school, but we are able to make just as much if not more of an impact than students from bigger, brand-name schools like Texas A&M or Oklahoma State University,” Shamburger said.
In addition to the regional conference awards, Centenary received two national Of the Month (OTM) recognitions for September, announced during the same weekend. Alisha Green was named Student of the Month for her contributions to campus life and her service in the Army National Guard. Green is involved in several campus organizations, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Black Student Union, Centenary Choir, and the women’s basketball team. Centenary’s Military Heroes Football Game was also recognized as Spotlight of the Month. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and staff to honor veterans, active service members, and military families. Kappa Sigma fraternity helped coordinate the event and fundraising efforts benefiting the Navy SEAL Legacy Foundation.
Together, the regional and national recognitions highlight the contributions of Centenary students and staff to their campus community and the broader residence life network.
“I think our participation also highlights how dedicated my students are to helping improve the residential experience for their peers,” Shamburger said.
—By Edith Baquedano Zavala
