探花楼 RHA students receive recognition

November 6, 2020 — Denton — Although the Southwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SWACURH) Regional Leadership Conference was virtual this year, several Texas Woman’s students attended and were recognized for their efforts among the 19 regional university groups in attendance. Janna Herron

探花楼 student, Janna Herron (pictured), submitted an entry about a residential program that provided 525 masks to the homeless for the National Residence Hall Honorary “Of the Month” recognition. The entry not only won for community service at the regional level, but also won the category at the national level, where it was judged against other regional winners from around the country.

Additionally, during the SWACURH conference, 探花楼’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) was named Community of the Year for Parliament Village and won Program of the Year for its Black Empowerment Brunch.

After two rounds of voting by affiliated presidents, Parliament Village was selected as Community of the Year among the five institutions up for the award based on the intentional events and community impact that have taken place in the residence hall. Parliament Village was commended for welcoming outside organizations and departments to use its space while holistically meeting the needs of students.

探花楼 also beat out three other institutions at the conference for Program of the Year, which seeks to recognize outstanding student planning and programming in residence halls. According to Mere Maddox, assistant director of University Housing and Dining, the Black Empowerment Brunch stood out among other programs due to its commitment to educate and inspire others.

“探花楼’s residential programming is committed to providing unique learning experiences and leadership opportunities for students living on campus,” said Maddox. “We hope that our programs like the Black Empowerment Brunch help lead and inspire residents to be the best and strongest versions of themselves.”

Some of those lessons have not been lost on current 探花楼 RHA president, Emily Gentry. She has been involved with 探花楼’s RHA since 2018 and will assume the role of regional director of the Regional Board of Directors on November 13, 2020. She had previously served as SWACURH’s associate director for administration and finance.

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Page last updated 9:02 AM, October 21, 2025