By the end of my sophomore year I had the unique opportunity to meet a friend named Sayan Becker, we like to call her Sa. It was approaching summer and I was going to be working for Language and Leisure Experts and Sa was going to be doing an internship down here in Boca. She was going to be living off-campus for the next two years during the summer her roommate wasn’t going to be there, so I told her I was spend the summer with her so that she wasn’t living alone.

Walter Becker in the Steely Dan Band playing guitar

It was just prior to living with her that I learned I was living with the daughter of the lead guitarist in Steely Dan. Sa, Armando, Karina, Sandy, Erica, Lynette, Erica’s Mom, and I had all gone down to Hard Rock Live to see him perform in the Spring, and tonight we had the chance to do it again.

Steely Dan was playing at the Mizner Park Amphitheater tonight and Sa got us all tickets, shirts, and VIP passes. Mike, France, Dominick, Sandy, and I went to Pranzo’s first for some dinner and drinks and then walked in to see the band play. We were close to the front of the stage and many would agree we were probably the youngest individuals there, but we were having a blast.

At the end of the concert we went back stage to see her father and I was so impressed and thankful that she was able to get my ticket once again to see the band and her father perform. It was a great concert and we had an amazing time. It’s been great to have a friend like Sa, but its going to be difficult seeing her move to Cali.

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.”

]]> http://blogs.lynn.edu/myknightlife/2009/06/16/leadership-doesnt-end-after-college-nacurh-national-chair/feed/ 0 http://blogs.lynn.edu/myknightlife/2009/05/15/graduation/ http://blogs.lynn.edu/myknightlife/2009/05/15/graduation/#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 13:15:38 +0000 Joey http://blogs.lynn.edu/myknightlife/?p=350 When you come to Lynn as a Freshman, you never think about the day you will leave or have to move on. The great thing is that you never leave because you become Alumni. Its difficult to imagine as the Freshman the pace that college is and how quickly it passes by. Walking across the stage and receiving the “fake temporary” diploma almost feels surreal. Its a feeling of happiness, but also a sign of tears.

I wasn’t really nervous about giving the commencement speach or any part of graduation. Tears really didn’t come down my face because I was lucky on stage to not have the ability to see people in the crowd, i.e. my mom, grandparents, family, and friends. The hardest part of graduation was exitting the gym because you walked down the center isle where all the faculty and staff were aligned to send their congratulations and express how proud they were of us. These are the individuals who helped us get where we are today. It was emotional because sometimes you underestimate how much they care about you or don’t realize the impact they we have on their lives.

Dress in purple, Taryn and I didn’t plan on matching, I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Student Government Association. Student Government President truly has been one of the most rewarding leadership positions that I have held in my entire life. I learned so many transferable skills for life after college with the support and guidance from all of the faculty, staff, and my peers on campus. I recognized my executive board this evening for their overwhelming dedication to SGA this year and I took the opportunity to recognize some seniors as well with honor cords and a mortarboard because SGA wouldn’t be where it is today without their help. More importantly, I wouldn’t be the leader and activist for campus change and development that I am without my advisors, Jen and Anthony.

As the end of the year comes to an end I have started to get emotional with the thought of leaving behind a campus that has meant so much to me. However, Taryn obviously thought I needed to get more emotional as she addressed me in her speech prior to presenting me the Hundrieser Fellowship Award. She said, “I have a quote, because we love those this evening!’A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.’ This individual has motivated students through every step he has taken on this campus,” and I thought I was going to tear, but it was when she said “I also had the privilege of speaking to the recipient’s mom today, and she wanted me to tell you this, ‘I love you, and I am so proud of you. Everything you have gotten you have earned, and I’m so lucky,’” that I lost it.  

As recipient of Returning RA of the Year and the Hundrieser Fellowship Award, I have a strong feeling of appreciation and gratitude for what I have earned. Furthermore, to see SGA be recognized as the Organization of the Year and for Civility Week to be Program of the Year, I look back on this past year and I am proud of our dedication, commitment, and passion for being a Lynn student.

It is interesting to observe that some students are not sure how to act or respond when they are kindly handed a water and breakfast. Do you say thank you? Of course you do, be civil. Do a kind act. Be respectful. Civility Week 2009!

My friends and I were gong on a tour that left at 7:30 a.m. We had the opportunity to repel down into an underground water pool. I have never seen water so blue. The first woman that repelled had no idea what she was doing and they just pushed her into it.  After swimming we went hiking, kayaking, zip lining, and even had a meal prepared by the Mayans. After lunch we went to Coba, a large ruined city of Maya civilization. This area contained several pyramids, one of which we climbed. It was 120 steps, which sounds like not a lot, but when the steps are narrow and slippery it becomes a little bit of a challenge.

One of the greatest benefits of having a tour with only twelve people is that you really get to know everyone. We were the only Americans in the tour. The rest of the people were from Canada. The tour ended with a shot of tequila with salt and lime and an opportunity to purchase ridiculously priced photos.

We are meeting up with four of the people at Margharittaville in Downtown Cancun tonight for some fun and dancing. It should be a blast!

Amanda and Bruno got here today. We did a tour of the resorts and grabbed dinner. Excited for the opportunity to go out tonight, we went to the Royal Carribean for karaoke. Of course, we know my talent for singing is non-existent. Nevertheless, a woman thought I was from American Idol. Apparently, she didn’t see me when Karina dragged me up to the stage to sing the Chris Brown part in No Air. I felt that I had to go up with Karina after I secretly put her name in earlier to sing Life is a Highway. The night was hilarious. Bruno got up several times to sing. This one woman thought she was the star of the night and was belching out the lyrics to some old song I didn’t even know. Her enthusiasm and excitement was powerful. The beginning of our entertainment for the week…

I landed this morning at 8:3oam….don’t ask me how I made my 8am flight out of Miami. I barely woke up at 3:40am in time to leave for Miami at 4:20am. I don’t know why they ask you to be at the airport three hours in advance for international flights. In my opinion its just more wasted time in the airport.

Customs and immigration was a long wait. The economy may be hurting, but people are still coming to Mexico for vacation. I was a little nervous about coming since CNN all week long said “#1 Spring Break Destination not to go, MEXICO!” When I got to the resort it was 10:00 am. I couldn’t check it, but I didn’t care. A bathing suit, drink by the beach, and a beach chair was all I needed. Spring break was off to a great start! Especially after I found out we received an oceanfront room. Can’t get better than that.

Multicultural Day is a success!

Getting up for a 6am flight this morning was a huge struggle. I stayed up 24 on Tuesday night because my flight leaving Nashville from NACA was at 5:35am. As soon as I returned to campus I went to the annual tradition, Multicultural Day. When I had booked my flight for NACA in January I made sure that I was back in time for this event. It is one of my favorite events that happens on campus every year. When I was visiting Armando in Guatemala, we bought a variety of bracelets, food, and other items unique to Guatemala to put on the table.

Ryan and I got a sampling of food from the variety of countries/regions represented. I am very open to new food dishes afterall, I did go to China and eat jellyfish and other items that are not seen as common food dishes. It is ana amazing event on campus because it really brings the community together. Residents, commuters, faculty, staff, and friends come out to enjoy this great event that I believe showcases one of our greatest values at Lynn University, diversity. With our university representing students from over 90 country, this program really is a huge success.

What added to the enthusiasm and positive environment during the the event was the performance of the Morikami Museum’s “Taiko Drummers”.This entertainment added a cultural awareness and was really powerful.

Morikami Museum’s “Taiko Drummers”

I was staying with my friend Ron who is an Residence Life Coordinator at UAB. Their campus is really unique, because it is practically the city. There are so many hospitals in the radius of their campus. Health, nursing, and pre-med are huge programs. I got a chance to meet his RA staff and it was tons of fun.