Alyssa Nelson

Logan R. Hazen Award for Outstanding Contribution to Residential Life

Presented by Dan Watts, director of undergraduate residential life

My name is Dan Watts and I am the Director of Undergraduate Residential Life. It is an honor to be able to share my thoughts on Alyssa Nelson’s selection as the winner of the 2019-2020 Logan R. Hazen Award.

Alyssa opened her personal statement for the Hazen Award with the acknowledgement that she “had the pleasure’ to serve as a Resident Advisor for the fourth floor of Gilbert Hall this year, and as the D’Lion for the sixth floor of Susan B. Anthony Hall last year. She knew that she was going to make a difference, and she focused on creating welcoming communities for students new to UR. She did this by making personal connections, helping new students understand the resources and support available to them, and by letting them know that they are not simply welcome in the community – they are the community. A favorite program of Alyssa’s was inviting her residents to make and share their favorite desserts from home. Throughout both years, with a focus on belonging, welcoming and inclusion, Alyssa made a genuine difference for her First-Years. She ended her personal statement reminding us, and herself, that she learned as much from them as they learned from her.

A consistent Dean’s List student, Alyssa excels as a role model for involvement. From her first year on campus, she found the experiences and activities that connected her to her passions for creativity, fairness and inclusion. In her sophomore year, she was a member of the D’Lion executive board, serving as Community Service Chair and planning events such as a Mt. Hope Cemetery clean-up, and a chance for her residents to participate in the Wilmot Cancer Center Warrior Walk. As a creative person, Alyssa became involved with ROC Players, a student-run musical theatre group – beginning as a member, then becoming the Fundraising Chair (and breaking all previous fundraising records), and ultimately serving as the Artistic Director. Finally, with a passion for fairness and justice, Alyssa became involved with the All Campus Judicial Council as an Associate Justice.

In her letter of recommendation, Rose Waples, the First-Year Quad Area Coordinator, beautifully captures Alyssa’s true Meliora Spirit:

Alyssa is an intelligent student leader who surprises me with her attention to detail and seeking out feedback on her performance. She never stops pursuing resources to help her students or her own growth as a student leader. Finally, whenever she provides feedback to the department or to her supervision team, she always does so in a positive, respectful, and thoughtful way with options for solutions.

On behalf of my colleagues in Residential Life, we are so grateful to Alyssa for the care and understanding that she brings to her role. We look forward to the wonderful impact she is sure to make next year in Tiernan. Congratulations, Alyssa.

About the Award

The Logan R. Hazen Award for Outstanding Contribution to Residential Life is given annually to the University of Rochester River Campus student who has "made significant contributions to the community and experience of students living in undergraduate residence halls. This student, through their actions, leadership and innovation has promoted community through respect, fairness, and inclusion."