Tylene Gall, Jacqueline MellishTylene Gall accepts congratulations from residence life co-ordinator Jacqueline Mellish for a certificate recognizing high achievement at the Residence Academic Reception, Friday in Laurier Hall.

Residence reception recognizes academic achievement

It’s good to recognize the accomplishments of students, says second-year business student Joel Tye.

A native of Blenheim now living in Alumni Hall, he was one of dozens of residence students honoured for academic success during a reception Friday in Laurier Hall.

“Especially for students new to the university, having this sort of recognition event makes them feel welcome and feel good about their achievements,” Tye said.

Now a residence assistant himself, he recalls the support he received from UWindsor staff in his first year of study: “The environment of the building I lived in made it clear that there was always help if you needed it.”

That’s important, says Diane Rawlings, residence services department head. She told the honourees — residents with A averages and student leaders earning grades of at least B+ — that her staff is dedicated to their success.

“We believe in holistic education and that learning takes place in and out of the classroom, so we invest a lot of effort to make residence more than just a place to live,” she said. “It’s about creating a learning environment that complements and supports your personal growth.”

Tylene Gall, a first-year engineering student living in Alumni Hall, says she appreciates that atmosphere.

“It’s perfect for me. I’m really studious and I try to always be pro-active,” she said. “It’s a very quiet hall; everybody in there is there to work.”