CHAS celebrates the people who make it work
06.30.2026
College Houses and Academic Services celebrated the contributions of the RAs and other staff members to the College Houses at the CHAS End-of-Year Recognition Banquet, held May 1 at The Inn at Penn. Organized by Dr. Lulu Barrueco-Kaliher and the banquet committee, the event brought together CHAS staff and faculty, Resident Advisors, and campus partners for a luncheon honoring the people whose work helps sustain Penn’s College House communities throughout the year. The program opened with special recognition for graduating RAs, acknowledging their service and leadership across the College Houses.
A highlight of the banquet was the awards presentation, which recognized outstanding RA and graduate RA contributions in several areas, including Academic & Intellectual Life, Creativity & Innovation, Student & Community Engagement, RA Team Leadership, New RA/GRA of the Year, and Returning RA/GRA of the Year. Awardees and nominees represented Houses across campus, reflecting the breadth of creativity, care, and leadership that residents experience through CHAS programming and daily community life. The presentation concluded by congratulating all nominees and thanking the staff for a successful year.
CHAS also recognized exemplary partnerships that strengthen the residential experience. Nominees included Linda Donaldson of Allied Universal for her work with Stouffer; Meseret Berekessa of Residential Services for Hill; Michelle Majeski of Residential Services for the Quad/BA; and Mikael Avery, Wendy Oduor, Amey Vijay Sogodekar, and Vasiliki Meletaki of the Weitzman School of Design for the Lauder Relaxation Room pilot project. Their recognition underscored the importance of collaboration across Penn, celebrating partners whose work supports welcoming, responsive, and engaging College House communities.
