Leadership Doesn’t End after College: NACURH National Chair
Heading out to the University of Arizona this weekend I had anticipations/expectations to be sworn in as the National Associate of Finance for NACURH, Inc. Little did I know that I would be putting together a bid for National Chair.
We arrived on Wednesday and were informed that the National Chair position was vacant. Eager for an opportunity to lead the largest student run organization and a chance to be further connected with students motivated me to step up and run for the position. I was running against an equally qualified individual and was very nervous all day Friday. Needless to say, I was elected by the National Board of Directors to serve as the incoming 2009-2010 National Chair for NACURH, Inc.
My incoming National Chair Speech:
Hey NACURH! Is that all the enthusiasm that you have remaining? Let’s do that again. Hey NACURH! Much better. My name is Joey McNamara and I am the incoming National Chair for NACURH Incorporated. It is with great pleasure that I stand here before inspirational student leaders, dedicated and supportive advisors, family and friends, and one phenomenal National Conference Staff.
As we look back and reflect upon this year that has passed, many of us will agree that each year we continue to move forward in a direction that is best for all member schools. None of this change would have been made possible without the dedication and commitment by the outgoing National Board of Directors and National NRHH Board. NBD and NNB, you encouraged each other to reach their highest potential, instilling new and innovative ideas, and ensured that, we as a whole, were continuously thinking about all of you, our member schools. Some of the great strides that have been made this year include
· Recruiting the next Conference Resource Consultant
· Incorporation of our newest executive position, National Associate of NRHH
· Funding two universities with programming grants
· A Internationalization Resolution that shows our commitment to those around the world
· Corporate Office Assessment Policy
· And further integrating into one organization
Under the leadership of Avi Zacherman, the National Board of Directors raised to new levels this year. I would like to thank Avi for his commitment and service to NACURH throughout this past year and his involvement prior to this year. He has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles with the aim to move NACURH forward into the future.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank my host institution, Lynn University, in Boca Raton, Fl. They have provided 100% support for me for the past two years as I served on the NBD and are looking forward to supporting me within the upcoming year. As most of you are aware, all our member schools fall within a region and I wouldn’t be standing here today if wasn’t for one of the fiercest regions in the nation, SAACURH. I am proud to be part of this region that has assisted me in developing as a leader, a region that fosters the growth and development of new and seasoned leaders, and a region that always makes me feel like home.
Dominick, Alla, Jackie, Rosanna, and the entire U of A conference staff; you have created an experience for delegates and advisors like no other. Your commitment and dedication set forth in planning this conference has been phenomenal. There is no doubt in my mind that advisors and delegates will leave this conference and bring back a plethora of knowledge to share on their own campus. Conference staff, your passion and charisma is apparent in everything you do and you should be proud of your accomplishments.
As we move forward this year, my commitment to each of you is to serve as the National Chair of NACURH Incorporated and lead the National Board of Directors and National NRHH Board to success by ensuring that we are serving our member schools to the best of our ability. I will make myself available to each of your individual schools, to each of your individual RHA and NRHH members, and to any residential student on your campus. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I strongly believe in increasing the participation of campus level individuals on national committees and furthermore, I want to be available to any residential student to assist you with any initiative, concern, or change you would like to be addressed by NACURH, Inc.
“Each of you is the architect of your own life. It is essential that you take your dreams and make them reality. Realize that there is no one on the planet exactly like you. Carry the awareness of it with you when you walk into a conference or a meeting. Remember that the organization or group is lucky to have you. Realize that you don’t need to become a Bill Gates or Oprah. Become your own person. When you decide exactly what you want to do go after it, whether it’s being a hall director or director of residence life; that is the fulfillment of your own dreams. Challenge the process, disregard the status quo, sometimes you’ll be ahead, sometimes you’ll fall behind, but always trust in yourself. For a great writer once wrote, “never tell a young person that anything cannot be done.”
