The Spectacular Orlando T. White: Advisor of the Year Award

2018 NACURH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

At ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY- TEMPE

Does not define my worth

Orlando wields tremendous power in Housing and Residential Life. He is responsible for recruitment, selection, and training of all Resident Assistants and teaches leadership courses in the Leadership & Civic Engagement Minor at UNLV. Orlando makes himself available to advise both RHA, NRHH, and the RA’s.

Ø Assistant Director of Residential Education

Ø RHA Advisor

Ø NRHH Advisor

1. Strategic

2. Empathy

3. Ideation

4. Developer

5. Maximizer

Ø Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Chocolates

Ø The Paranormal Activity

Ø Paula Abdul

Ø Cats

Orlando subbed- in for Peter Parker, to be Spider-Man during our annual "Boo Bash" Halloween event

Ø BS Mass Communications | CSUPueblo

Ø MPA | University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Ø Residential Life Coordinator | UNLV

Ø Res Life Coordinator | Art Institute of Philadelphia

Ø Building Manager | Fashion Institute of Technology

Ø Hall Director | CSU Pueblo

Gettin’ bit by the RHA bug

“Sugavisa,” better known by his alias of Orlando, goes above and beyond to guarantee that RHA succeeds. Not all hero’s wear capes, in fact, some just wear shorts and are willing to stay late into the evening to ensure an event goes smoothly. Orlando is like the Dark Knight, he does all of his best work after his actual work day should be over or sometimes before it has even begun.

At the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, RHA put together Welcome Week to help new and returning residents get acquainted with the campus and residence halls. Many of these events were hosted extremely late at night, such as our Crunch Time at Crunch Donuts event. During this event, we took over 100 residents to a local donut shop at midnight. This was the first time RHA hosted an event off campus late at night so for a trial run, it was more successful than anyone would have thought. In fact, it was Orlando who brought up the idea of late night programing while talking with the VP/NCC, Jon Diehl. By Orlando showing his support for late night programming, Jon was able to take a small idea and advocate for it in front of the board. Since then, RHA has hosted 5 events that have taken place after 10pm.

LATE NIGHT & WEEKEND PROGRAMS

Crunch Time at Crunch Donuts

Aug. 27th 12am1:30am

Big Damn Road Trip Sept. 2nd 8am-4pm

Undie Run Sept. 13th 10pm-11pm

“Get Out” Movie Showing Oct. 13th 8:30pm-1am

First Friday Oct. 6th 8pm-12am

Nevada Day Road Trip Oct. 27th-28th 9:30am-5am

Crunch Time Donuts Dec. 10th 12am1:30am

Some events are extremely time consuming, and while he may be required to supervise RHA on some level, as a student run organization, he is not required to stay at every event for the full duration, especially since his position is a live off position. However, not only does he stay for things like water wars and dodgeball, but he also participates. Orlando is always the first to jump in a pool, throw on some ice skates, or start the dodgeball tournament. He understands that for more physical events, some residents may feel shy or intimidated to be the first one out, so he is always willing to put himself out there and break the ice just to make residents and students alike feel more comfortable. We can always count on Orlando to be the trendsetter.

SWINGIN’ INTO ACTION WITH RHO ESPILON BETA

Recognition

“I gave Orlando a cat pin because he had already received so many bronze pins and he is such a special advisor that I had to give him something unique just like him. As our mutual love of cats was something discussed often and our conference adventures for late night pizza were always something to look forward to, I gave him the cat pin instead of a bronze pin because I wanted it to mean something more. ”

–HollyWilliams,FormerRHA President

Of The Month Awards

Submitted:

¤ Men of Color Retreat, Sept. 2017

¤ E-board Member, Oct. 2017

¤ Spotlight, Oct. 2017

Orlando is the type of hero who utilizes all of his super powers to better the students he works with. When it seems like an organization is in trouble and needs some guidance, Orlando swings into action with a behind the scenes action plan.

Our Rho Epsilon Beta Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary has been known to struggle with membership. As an advisor, Orlando has challenged the chapter to explore new ways to encourage engagement of residents with the organization. Orlando has been instrumental in helping with recruitment of NRHH over the last few years and has challenged the chapter to think outside of the box when it comes to getting new folks involved.

When the NRHH executive board realized that one of the board members was not living on campus or fulfilling their duties, the president and vice president asked Orlando about how to deal with the situation. The student was very adamant about receiving awards they didn't earn and was expressing their anger in a negative way towards the group. Orlando stepped-in and guided the board through how to navigate and express feelings in a more positive manner.

Unfortunately, we had to give the student an ultimatum of either stepping down from their position or being impeached. In the end, they chose resignation, but when they expressed anger, Orlando once again stepped up to the plate and this time, spoke with them in person. Although Orlando’s presence was needed in the end, he taught the NRHH Execs a great, professional life lesson of navigating a difficult conversation with a colleague.

At the end of every meeting, Orlando ends with a “Sugavisa Statement.” He speaks from the heart and addresses things he notices amongst the group. If he sees members of the board stressedout or stretching themselves too thin, he advises them to practice self-care. He reminds them every day that if they can't take care of themselves, then there is no way they can take care of others in the UNLV community.

Recognition

When I first met Orlando in the Fall of 2013, I had no idea that the guy in shorts and a baseball cap at a leadership council meeting would turn out to be one of the most influential people in my college career. Orlando believed in me before I believed in myself. He gave me a second chance at a time when most had given up on me. One day when I advise an RHA or NRHH, I can only hope to be half of the amazing and influential role model that Orlando has been for me. –LisamarieTomassetti,NRHHVP

Orlando with the NRHH Execs Awards

¤ 2018 IACURH Advisor of the Year

¤ 2016 Kenrick Ali PACURH Advisor of the Year

UNDER THE CAPE

Proudest Achievements as Advisor

¤ “1 October” vigil. The vigil had a huge impact on not just healing Las Vegas and UNLV communities, but also appeared on international news demonstrating the strength of the Las Vegas community in the face of terror. This would not have happened without RHA

¤ 2017 NACURH School of the Year

¤ Switching from the PACURCH to the IACURH region in 2016

Goals

¤ Golden Funk “E” Monkey:

o Craig Valdez- 2018

¤ Silver Pin:

o Russell T Jones 2016 (from PACURH)

¤ Bronze Pin:

o Korey Lopez- 2015

o Daniel Smith- 2014

o Doah Ellis - 2013

NACURH

Orlando has a wealth of knowledge about NACURH policies and the composition of the organization itself. He participates in the NACURH advisor GroupMe assisting advisors from all over the country by answering questions they may have. Last year, as the advisor for the 2017 School of the Year at NACURH, Orlando was fielding many questions about the composition of UNLV’s RHA bylaws and how they could be implemented on other campuses. Orlando’s commitment to the NACURH organization cannot be understated. He is a firm believer in the value of social media in higher education and particularly within residential life. Thus, he often times will promote NACURH social media in an effort to help grow their prominence on the UNLV campus and IACURH region.

1. Create a full-time Program Coordinator position that advises both NRHH & RHA and lives and breathes NACURH

a. ACCOMPLISHED April 2018

2. To work with upper administration to find a way to finance hosting an IACURH RLC at UNLV.

a. Still Ongoing

3. Create the first ever “Silver State Leadership Conference” for college student leaders in housing between Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.

a. Still Ongoing

NATIONAL INVOLVMENT

School of the Year Champions | NACURH 2017

Orlando and RBD CO-PT, Craig Valdez

REGIONAL INVOLVMENT

In November 2017, UNLV hosted the annual Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO) conference here in Las Vegas. AIMHO is essentially the big kid IACURH where housing professionals from all over the intermountain region join together to network, share resources, and hold programing workshops for others to enhance professional development. Orlando chaired the entertainment committee for this conference and was an essential part to conference attendee’s enjoyment of the Las Vegas culture. For Night on the Town, where conference attendees explore Las Vegas restaurants, Orlando ensured that there were three options available to folks that would complement both their dietary and financial needs while still capturing the beauty and culture of downtown Las Vegas. Since our home was, and still is, recovering from the 1 October tragedy, Orlando had to ensure that folks were not afraid to continue enjoying the nightlife that Vegas had to offer. He also implemented a karaoke night at the conference hotel where professionals were able to come in and just let loose for a bit while singing classics, Disney songs, and even today's top hits. Orlando truly made AIMHO a memorable one and was essential to the host committee the last two years of planning and implementing.

IACURH AIMHO

In November 2017, Orlando announced the IACURH Regional Leadership Conference, at the University of New Mexico, was the 20th consecutive conference he advised with a delegation! Advising a delegation at conference has its high points and its challenges. It's not an easy task to take 10 student leaders to another institution as there is a lot to monitor. Although the conference prep is primarily in the hands of the NCC, Orlando as advisor was tasked with getting to know new students to lead and advise them as well as ensure their safety in a new state. Orlando is always prepared with pep talks, motivational activities, and tons of UNLV and IACURH spirit.

Orlando is also in charge of overseeing our institutions RHA and NRHH Presidents as well as NCC, as they prepare to go to the Regional Business Conference (RBC). He helps them prepare for bid defenses while acting as devil’s advocate as they prepare to defend their bids in front of the region.

Not only does Orlando advise RHA and NRHH, he also advises Craig Valdez, our IACURH CO-PT who is hosted at UNLV. Orlando acts as both an advisor and a mentor to Craig and has actively helped him with applications, bids, graduate school, and professional development.

In the summer of 2017, Orlando worked with RHA President, Robert Evans, and Regional Director, Rebecca Lynch, to host the IACURH “Summer Summit” at UNLV. This three-day retreat for the new IACURH Regional Board of Directors allows the RBD time and space to plan for the upcoming year, set goals for the IACURH strategic plan and bond as a new executive board. Orlando made sure the IACURH executive board got the full “Las Vegas” experience by ensuring the RBD had on-campus rooms facing the fabulous Las Vegas Strip on the top floor of our largest residence hall. Each RBD member was welcomed with a goodie bag in their room that featured a vegan pastry from our local LGBTQ+ friendly Bronze Café. The goodie bag also included homemade soap Orlando made with oatmeal and Arizona wildflower honey. Orlando wanted to make sure the logistics of the summit were taken care of behind the scenes to allow the RBD to start their year off strong. Orlando worked tirelessly, and beyond his job description, to ensure the RBD had the best experience possible at UNLV and to help show his support for the region.

Just like any superhero, Orlando himself has faced many challenges. After overseeing the many successes of six different executive boards, Orlando made the choice to run for the IACURH Regional Advisor position. This shows his dedication to not just UNLV, but to the entire IACURH region. Although Orlando was not selected as our next regional advisor, he still remained committed to IACURH and participated in several advisor round table discussions during RBC 2018 at Boise State University. As one of the few men of color serving as an advisor in the region, Orlando doesn’t always fit in with the typical advisor culture, but he still ensures students feel supported and included in the region.

During our Winter Break of 2017, Orlando provided several resources on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity from the Social Justice Training Institute to the IACURH Regional Board. These resources covered several topics, including how dominant culture affects organizations. Orlando submitted these materials to the RBD before diversity consultant Dr. Becky Martinez met with the NACURH Board of Directors at the semi-annual business conference in January 2018. Like all great superheroes, Orlando steps in whenever he can to reinforce important concepts; this helps IACURH grow.

The Man With Many Masks

Superheroes in Training

When Orlando isn’t busy swinging from place to place, he is encouraging his team of paraprofessional heroes to develop strengths and skills that they can continue to foster for years to come. For the annual spring RHA and RA training, Orlando participated with RHA in archery to promote their theme of “aiming for new heights.” It required listening skills, endurance, and perseverance, which Orlando encouraged throughout the experience. After encouraging everyone to step out of their comfort zones, this new twist on a bonding experience proved to be a chance for growth and development.

To aim for new heights, you must first overcome your fear of surpassing old ones. Before this outing, training was mostly kept on campus. Orlando firmly believes in the idea that for individuals to grow, they must go out of their comfort zones. The archery event was new for everyone involved including Orlando. This demonstrated his ability to role model what it means to navigate a new environment for his students. This activity showcased a new local business for the executive board, but more importantly, show how adept Orlando is at developing the character skills of those he oversees.

He is also involved with the Resident Assistants. During training, Orlando added an optional run around campus at the end of the day and allowed one of the RAs that showed up to pick the route. The chance to decide where to go, and also to lead others, proves that Orlando shows faith in the skills of the paraprofessionals who he trains. That experience does not have to come in a seminar when real world experiences have a greater benefit. Four RAs showed up that night. Now, 3 months later, those RAs have started a running group that meets up a few times a week for a fun run around campus. The group also participated in the Las Vegas Color Run in February 2018. If Orlando hadn’t suggested the run in the first place, our four RAs would have never known that they all had running in common and started a group. Small decisions such as these are incredibly valuable along with the hero training that prepares RAs and RHA for their roles. Orlando White doesn’t need a mask or a superpower to show how in tune he is to the development of his heroes.

Building Community

RA Academy

On top of being a stellar advisor, Orlando also acts as a teacher. Ask any Resident Assistant in the country and they likely will tell you they interviewed for the RA position and heard an answer back within a week. Ask a UNLV RA and they will tell you that it was a 9-month process with no guarantee of getting hired. Orlando oversees the RA recruitment, selection, and training process. It is very vigorous as the interview to become an RA takes roughly 9 months. It starts with an application. From there, you interview and if you excel in your interview, you are selected to go through a 9-week course in the spring to better understand the position before potentially being hired.

Orlando has worked hard to make sure that the RA class is fun and engaging as well as meaningful and educational for our RA candidates. He implements a curriculum that coincides with current trends in residence life, gets the Residential Life Coordinators and Graduate Assistants involved in teaching, and actively challenges the students to participate in class discussion to become self-directed individuals. Overseeing 86 RA candidates, plus the current 50 RAs, as well as creating a once a month, 2-hour in-service training for staff are quite the tasks. But Orlando does all of this with a smile; he loves the interaction with residents. He enjoys and feels empowered to continue working hard for our residents when he is given the opportunity to help teach our potential candidates. Orlando has grown our RA candidate pool tremendously and is absolutely the reason for not only our diverse staff, but also our diverse learning environment.

Teaching and Advocacy

From September 8-9th, 2017, the very first “Men of Color Retreat” was hosted by Orlando White and Graduate Assistant William “Theo” Nichols. RHA sponsored the marketing for this departmental initiative. The retreat had the purpose of creating a safe space to allow men of color to discuss topics such as toxic masculinity, their role on campus, and the importance of supporting one another. Orlando presented research showing that men of color are less likely to graduate from college. During the retreat, Orlando and Theo led discussions about the stereotypes and expectations put on men at a young age as well as how to get in touch with aspects of their personality otherwise considered to be too feminine. Resident Assistant Aaron Escobedo, a nontraditional college student, felt that the retreat was informative and created a safe space that was not about forcing views on others, but instead, creating chances to educate and enhance the experience for everyone involved. For the discussions, participants were split up into small groups to guarantee an intimate setting in which the participants would be able to engage with each other thoughtfully. Orlando also led a discussion on prejudices and the diverse thinking that is required to overcome those prejudices. 16 men, including Orlando and Theo as advisors and facilitators, attended this first ever retreat and the program has created a movement! On top of that, Resident Assistant Jayla Ray was then inspired to branch off of this idea and create a program called “Black Girls at the Round Table.” This program took place in March 2018 with 60 participants. This experience allowed black women at UNLV a space to caucus and connect around issues about their identity. There are plans to expand on these initiatives and host both a Men of Color and a Women of Color Retreat in Fall of 2018.

MEN OF COLOR RETREAT

TEACHING OTHERS

When Orlando isn’t overseeing RA’s or advising RHA and NRHH, he still finds time in his week to teach a Global Leadership class. Orlando is one of the few volunteers teaching a class in UNLV Leadership and Civic Engagement Minor. While this class has its fair share of homework and quizzes, it is nothing like an ordinary class. Over the 16 week Fall 2017 semester, Orlando took his class on 4 field trips, 2 of these occurred off campus and 1 occurred organically.

The first trip was to the State of the University address given by UNLV president Len Jessup. This trip focused more on the civic engagement aspect of the class. The trip ended with an in-depth discussion about how leadership can change according to the audience who is being addressed. Orlando made sure that students knew how to look at an event from a different point of view. The second trip was about helping to erase stigma. We specifically looked at the Las Vegas public transportation system and took the city bus to a nearby mall. The assignment was to look at who was using the bus system as well as observe what did and did not match our pre-conceived notions. Our third outing was to go see a Black Lives Matter press conference. This took place on our campus after the North Las Vegas Police Department showed up, unannounced and uninvited, into the UNLV Student Union Courtyard after a spoken word poetry competition hosted by Black Lives Matter UNLV. Orlando was willing to push back the curriculum to allow his class the opportunity to go to the press conference. The entire class believed it was important to see how leadership can take place in multiple ways. The UNLV administration did one thing and the student leaders in Black Lives Matter UNLV and UNLV NAACP did another. The last trip was when we were learning about how UNLV uses our rebel logo and how that logo has changed in the past few decades. Orlando took us across the street to look at an electrical box that was painted by a local Las Vegas artist. The depiction on the electrical box shows UNLVs original mascot, “Beauregard.” This experience shows how others view the UNLV mascot, both past and current.

Orlando also allowed us the time that we needed even if that meant pushing back class. After the “1 October” shooting, that occurred less than 2 miles away from our campus, Orlando allowed us an entire class to process. While other teachers wanted things to get back to normal as soon as possible, Orlando made sure that we knew that it was okay to take any amount of time that we needed. Global Leadership felt like a class Orlando advised similar to RHA or NRHH. He took control when he needed to but never stopped the students from feeling we were able to ask questions or change the conversation to something that we felt had to be discussed.

April 21, 2018

To the NACURH Board of Directors ,

It is with great excitement that we support Orlando White as the Intermountain Affiliate’s nominee to the 2018 NACURH Valerie Averill Advisor of the Year Award. Orlando serves as the primary advisor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. UNLV is a school within the Intermountain that has been at the fore front for creating meaningful change in the region, while also ensuring that they take meaningful steps on campus to support students living o n campus and serve as change makers in a climate where change is needed.

Orlando serves in the Advisor role not from a place of passivity but at the core of mentoring the student leaders of RHA and NRHH, helping them to be the best leaders they can be. Th is has been evident in Orlando’s willingness as a mid -manager within UNLV’s housing department to support RHA’s voice being heard on campus when the status quo is not benefitting the residents. This commitment to the student voice and more importantly to c reating an environment where student leaders feel su pported to tackle tough issues.

As an advisor in the Intermountain Orlando has sought to be present for the students while also being a resource to the board and advisors in the region. UNLV hosted its first regional board member this year, which provided Orlando with new insight into the workings of IACURH and NACURH. Orlando is a dynamic leader who is willing and able to articulate the necessity for NACURH to challenge it s ideas around dominant culture. On several occasions, Orlando provided unique perspectives related to processes in the region and ways these could be adjusted. This bold thinking no do ubt is evident on UNLV’s campus, the region , and NACURH.

The Intermountain and NACURH as a whole are f ortunate to have caring, innovative advisors supporting the goals, ideas and achievements of its students. Orlando T. White is a servant leader and one the Intermountain is proud to support for this award.

Thank you for your consideration.

Monkey Love, IACURH Regional Board of Directors

24 April, 2018

Dear NACURH Board of Directors,

It is with great honor that I write this letter of support for Orlando T. White for the Valerie Averill Advisor of the Year award at the 2018 NACURH Annual Conference at Arizona State University-Tempe (ASUTempe).

This past year, I served as the Residence Hall Association (RHA) President at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). I will also be the last RHA President Orlando directly advises This is because Orlando has successively advocated for a new full-time Program Coordinator position to advise both RHA and our National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) chapters beginning next year. Orlando will mentor and supervise this new position. Orlando has served as our primary advisor for six years and has attended twenty-one consecutive conferences. He will be attending his twenty-second, and final, NACURH-affiliated conference at ASU-Tempe. Afterwards, Orlando will be stepping away as our advisor. It has truly been an honor to have him as my mentor over this last year.

When Orlando first took over as UNLV RHA’s advisor, the executive board was known for mostly complaining about the Dining Commons and how bad the food was. Now, in his last year as advisor, Orlando empowered student leaders to confront UNLV’s President, Dr. Len Jessup, and Provost, Dr. Diane Chase, about the lack of administration’s reaction to the “1 October” shooting that occurred 1.6 miles away from our campus.

Furthermore, Orlando has demonstrated a strong commitment to our organization through his support and attendance to our late-night programming initiatives. Orlando makes a twenty-five-minute commute to campus, from his home, for his roles as Assistant Director of Residential Education, RHA Advisor, and NRHH Rho Epsilon Beta advisor. He, literally, drives the extra miles to ensure he is in attendance at our programs even if they are at 11:59PM on a Saturday night. While some advisors may take that night off, Orlando makes students feel supported with late-night programming. Orlando role models work-life balance by purposefully engaging in dialogues with his students that have nothing to do with residential life or their leadership role on campus. This reminds students that there is more to their identity than the time-consuming nature of residential life. It’s not uncommon to hear Orlando talking about his pets, paranormal ghost adventures, or meeting long-distant cousins he discovered though a recent DNA test.

I have never met someone more dedicated to ensuring the growth of an organization to the degree Orlando has done. He has supported me in all of my decisions as RHA President and guided me through another successful year for our organization. Once again, I strongly encourage the NACURH Board of Directors to select Orlando White for the Valerie Averill Advisor of the Year Award.

NACURHfully,

Robert Evans RHA President

Citations

Spider Web on Cover Page [Cover]: PNGMart, (http://www.pngmart.com/image/4902)

Cover Photo of Spider-Lando [Cover]: Angelyn Tabalba

Page 1 Photo of Spider- Lando Hugging Child [Page 1]: UNLV RHA Facebook, (https://www.facebook.com/UNLVRHA/photos/a.709202262609992.1073741863.2645191204 11644/709203005943251/?type=3)

Civilian Photo [Page 1]: Orlando T. White

Page 2 Red background photo for super hero profile, [Page 2]: Desktop Nexus, (https://abstract.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/544909/)

NEW UNLV logo on Hero Stat profile [Page 2]: UNLV, (https://www.unlv.edu/identity/downloads)

UNLV RHA Logo [Page 2]: UNLV RHA Facebook Page, (https://www.facebook.com/UNLVRHA/photos/a.270155489848007.1073741825.2645191204 11644/6576689 51096657/?type=1&theater)

Photo of Orlando with Dodgeball [Page 2]: Angelyn Talbalba

Page 2 Photo of Fall 2017 RHA E-Board [Page 2]: UNLV RHA Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/UNLVRHA/photos/a.270157049847851.1073741827.2645191204 11644/724937991036419/?type=3&theater)

Page 3 Photo of Rho Epsilon Beta Executive Board Photo [Page 3]: Lisamarie Tomassetti

Rho Epsilon Beta Logo [Page 3]: Rho Epsilon Beta chapter of NRHH Facebook page, (https://www.facebook.com/UnlvNrhh/photos/a.108764002515494.8595.108763385848889/1 524688790923001/?type=1&theater)

Page 4 Photo of NACURH 2017 Delegation [Page 4]: UNLV RHA Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/UNLVRHA/p hotos/a.270157049847851.1073741827.2645191204 11644/642757795921106/?type=3)

Photo of Orlando’s Lanyard [Page 4]: Photo credit Orlando White

Page 4 Photo of Craig Valdez and Orlando [Page 4]: Orlando White

AIMHO Las Vegas Specific Logo [Page 5]: AIMHO, (http://www.aimho.org/page/2017AIMHOConferenc)

Page 5 Photo of IACURH Delegation at Airport [Page 5]: UNLV RHA Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/UNLVRHA/photos/a.332448776952011.1073741829.2645191204 11644/709380609258824/?type=3)

Citations (Continued)

(https://www.facebook.com/UNLVRHA/photos/a.332448776952011.1073741829.2645191204 11644/738408569689361/?type=3)

(https://www.facebook.com/UNLVRHA/photos/a.332448776952011.1073741829.2645191204 11644/688208928042659/?type=3&theater)

Page 6 Photo of Orlando with Running Res Life Staff Group Photo [Page 6]: UNLV RHA Facebook Page,

Page 7 Photo of Men of Color Retreat Photo [Page 7]: UNLV RHA Facebook Page,