Student Activities takes home awards at NACA

Staff members and student workers from Eastern’s Office of Student Activities brought home several regional awards from the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) conference in Hartford, which took place Oct. 16-18.  

Director of New Student and Family Programs Alyssa Duffy served as conference team chair. “The weekend was full of energy, heart, and NACA magic,” said Duffy. “Hartford attendees answered the call to show up and give the experience their all, take advantage of every opportunity, support acts, learn from others, and grow.”

Some of the awards that Warriors and staff took away include the Ken M. Bedini Student Leader Award, won by juniors Amanda Wrobel and Michael Hemmings. 

The Northeast Diversity Achievement Award, which recognizes significant contributions and service to diverse populations, was awarded to Pride Center Coordinator Nicole Potestivo and senior Nyla Graham. 

MaKayla “MJ” Jackson ‘24 was awarded the M. Kevin Fahley Graduate Assistant Award, which is given to graduate assistants who show strong potential in student affairs and positively impact student leadership. 

Campus Activity Board members who served as delegates for Eastern at the conference included Michael Hemmings, Dene Whitaker ‘24, sophomore Addy Barreira, and first-year student Jaiden Dominguez Castro.

According to Duffy, this year saw a significant turnout of Eastern attendees from the Division of Student Affairs, including the Office of Housing and Residential Life, who were able to network and learn more about how to continue building success on campus.

“It was also great to be able to celebrate our well-deserved award winners at the conference,” said Duffy. “Being able to share this space with so many individuals from our institution and show others what Eastern was all about was an overall great experience.”