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Briona Grant ’20 M.A., a graduate residence director for Bethel Hall and candidate in the University’s master’s degree program in clinical mental health counseling, was one of several students who was recently honored at an awards ceremony for demonstrating leadership, promoting diversity, and for being a "fully charged" member of the campus community.

June 26, 2019

By Briona Grant ’20 M.A.

I was privileged to receive the Graduate Assistant of the Year Award for the 2018-2019 academic year at the annual University of New Haven Student Awards Ceremony. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to receive this award and to be recognized for the work that I am doing.

I work as a graduate residence director for the Office of Residential Life, and I have been with the department for the last year. I supervise Bethel Hall, a first-year residence that is truly my home away from home. I also work alongside six amazing resident assistants and one academic peer mentor to create an inclusive community and to create a safe, respectful, diverse, and enjoyable environment for first-year students.

In addition to the staff members in my community, I am also lucky enough to have colleagues and supervisors within the Office of Residential Life whose passion and dedication inspires me daily. These individuals have made my transition into this department, as well as to the University, as seamless and as smooth as possible, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them as well.

During the upcoming academic year, I plan to continue to foster interpersonal relationships with residential students, to connect with campus partners within the Division of Student Affairs, and to immerse myself into initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion through programming. I serve on the Diversity and Education Programming Committee within the Office of Residential Life, and I am excited to see this committee expand and become even more active next year.

"I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to receive this award and to be recognized for the work that I am doing."Briona Grant ’20 M.A.

Receiving the Graduate Assistant of the Year Award has instilled a newfound passion and dedication in me, and I am excited to continue the work that I am doing with resident students to foster a holistic, well-rounded educational experience. I am motivated to continue to work hard, to be a positive influence, and most importantly, to have fun with all of the opportunities that I am granted while, hopefully, inspiring others to do the same. #LivingCharged