The staff in residence helps students succeed, says Connor Adlam.

A second-year political science major living in Alumni Hall, he was one of about 100 residence students honoured at a reception Friday for earning at least an A- academic average.

“I have found that in residence, everyone is there for you,” Adlam said. “People are very helpful.”

The event, now in its ninth year, saw academic officials hand out certificates of accomplishment and small gifts to students with a cumulative average of at least A-.

It’s important to celebrate the achievements of these students, many of whom are away from home for the first time, said Diane Rawlings, head of the Residence Services department.

“We know University life can be challenging,” she said. “We work hard to make their transition as smooth as possible.”

Samantha Johnson, a first-year sociology student, said she appreciated the effort.

“It’s cool that they would do this for us,” she said. “Residence has been a great experience for me so far.”

Adlam took home a bonus prize as one of two winners in a draw for a $25 Campus Bookstore gift card: “I’ll probably use it to buy a sweatshirt.”