Centenary Residence Life Captures Two Awards at Regional Conference

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) —Residence Life received two awards at the recent Louisiana Association of Housing Officers Conference, capturing the top spots for the Louisiana Female RA of the Year and the Always Hallways Award for Support of Residence Life.

The awards recognized residence life programs and individuals at colleges and universities across the state during the regional Equipping Resident Assistants conference in Dry Creek, La.

Kristina DiGioia
Kristin DiGioia

David Womack

Kristin DiGioia, an art history major from Fairview, Texas, was selected as the top female Resident Assistant in the state, an award given to a RA who has served in that position for one academic year, and currently has a 2.5 GPA or better. They must have also excelled in at least one if not more in the areas of academic achievement, community building, programming, leadership development or staff development.

The Always Hallways Award for Support of Residence Life was awarded posthumously to Dean David Womack, an award that recognizes an individual outside of housing/residence life who demonstrates exceptional support of the mission of housing and residence life.

"It's nice to see that the hard work and dedication that the students put towards Residence Life is paying off not only on our campus, but proving that they are the best of the best throughout the state and country," said Josh Coco, Director of Residence Life. "To have support like we had from Dean David Womack and to have quality Resident Assistants like Kristin DiGioia only makes my job that much easier to make changes students want."

DiGioia was recognized by her peers here at the College for her ability to go "above and beyond the call of duty" and her willingness to "throw herself completely into any commitment she makes." In her second year as a RA, she continued to maintain a 4.0 GPA in keeping with her motto of being a student first.

According to the award write up, she is able to make students feel comfortable in approaching her no matter the situation, and always possesses a friendly demeanor and a willingness to help that encourages the respect of her peers and residents. She is also an effective programmer in how she will come up with unique and exciting programs.

Josh Coco paid tribute to the man he called friend and mentor, and nominated Dean Womack for the Always Hallways Award saying that the amount of support one person can give a department and to a young professional was like no other. He noted that Womack was more than just a Dean at Centenary, that he put his heart and soul into every aspect especially residence life. "David had only been at Centenary for one year when he passed away unexpectedly, but during that year, he had given so much support and changed so much at Centenary during his little bit of time here will stick with those who were able to work closely with him," said Coco in his award citation.

"David knew that a great community starts with the simplest aspect... where you live. He knew that where you lived is where your family is. If you don't get a family feel, how are you supposed to enjoy your college life?"

Dean Womack was cited for the renovations of the residence halls, supporting and participating in daily RA life, and making sure everyone knew the motives for the plans he wanted to implement. '"If we aren't doing this for the students than who are we doing this for' was a quote that will stay close to everyone who he came in contact with him," Coco wrote.

According to Coco, although it is extremely tough to walk past his office everyday knowing he is not there anymore, it would be even more difficult to understand where Centenary would be if he had never shown up in our lives. "Dean Womack will always be remembered for his hard work and dedication to student life, but more importantly, the dedication and support he had towards residence life."

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in the Shreveport and Bossier City communities.