What is NRHH?

The National Residence Hall Honorary is the recognition branch of NACURH. NACURH, as an organization, truly believes that recognition is a must in a strong Residence Hall community. As such, NRHH is there to make sure that we don't forget to give those needed and more than deserved pats on the back. The basic way NRHH works on campus is through a chapter. NRHH chapters have a very special way of recognizing those top leaders, by membership. The NRHH chapter membership (per school) is restricted to 1% of students living in the residence halls. So, once inducted into NRHH you can consider yourself a member of the Top 1% of residence hall leaders. The NRHH national level consists of the national office. The National Office is responsible for affiliating NRHH chapters, selecting national OTM (Of the Months), designing the apparel line (T-shirts, Sweatshirts, and pins, oh my) and a host of other tasks.

NRHH National History

In 1964, the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH), Inc. found itself with financial difficulties. Jim Tschechtelin, NACURH Chair, began investigating possibilities for potential revenue sources and grants. Grants were found, but there were two requirements: a central NACURH office had to be established, and the member schools needed more services rendered. Thus, the National Residence Hall Honorary was put forth as an answer to the second requirement.

During the preliminary organization, the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) focused on the incorporation of old into new. Campuses with existing honorary organizations were contacted and coordinated into the NRHH structure. The preservation of chapter identity was primary, as it was incorporated into the NRHH structure, and as each campus is aware of its own individual needs. The primary focus of each chapter became the recognition of the residence hall leaders on its campus. this helped sustain a consistent membership in on-campus organizations as well as on the regional and national levels within NACURH.

The years between 1977 and 1987 were years of growth for the NRHH. Pins and certificates were produced to recognize the members of the Honorary, the tradition of regional and national receptions during conferences began and formal recruitment and affiliation packets were produced. Regional Recruiter (now called Associate Directors) positions on regional boards were also established. Many awards were established including Program, National Communications Coordinator, Advisor, Student, and Resident Assistant Of The Month Awards as well as Outstanding Chapter of the Year.

Today, over 170 chapters are affiliated with the National Residence Hall Honorary National Office. Activities of the chapters vary from campus to campus. Some simply induct new members at an annual recognition banquet this year, thus, an honorary chapter. Others are extremely active on their campuses and in their communities, coordinating leadership retreats, conferences, socials, hall or campus wide programs, fundraisers, and a whole host of other events. Still others have found a middle ground that suits their campus. Each individual chapter conducts membership selection. The chapter members represent the top 1% of the student leaders on campus and are those who have contributed extraordinary amounts of personal time and energy in order to make the residence halls more than a "dorm."

NRHH Colors

The colors are blue and white. The blue symbolizes loyalty: loyalty to purpose and idea. The white signifies a blank page: a page on which a student writes the successes and experiences that fill their days in the residence halls.

NRHH Symbol

The symbol for NRHH is that of a diamond surrounding the letters of the organization, and the three interconnected lines, the chain of leadership. The diamond, the world's most precious gem, signifies the value and beauty one finds in the residence halls experience.

The first link of the chain represents caring. Leaders are people who care. They are concerned about themselves and others, and are committed to making things better.

The second link signifies dedication. Part of a leader's commitment is the dedication to cause which they display. Dedication is an important part of the involvement required to be truly effective.

The third link represents participation. True leaders participate fully in their academic pursuits, their friendships, their activities, and their lives. Leaders don't sit on the sidelines, but are competent team players.

Together the unbroken chain symbolizes the membership of NRHH. As leaders we are interconnected as caring and dedicated participants in the community of your university.

HOME