Reviving Traditions and Building Community

For many students, the heart of the college experience isn’t just academics — it’s the friendships, memories, and sense of belonging that come with living on campus. For resident advisors (RAs) like Lucy Holt and Catherine Merigliano, who are passionate about building community, that experience goes even deeper.

This fall, the two RAs in Wood Hall and the Quad communities brought back a classic Halloween tradition: a haunted house. More than just an event, the haunted house was an impressive effort that underscored the benefits of being an RA, as well as the vibrant and supportive environment that comes from living on campus.

Lucy and Catherine’s vision wasn’t simply to stage a spooky event, but to create a memorable experience that would bring students together. Their journey began with a proposal outlining every detail: a budget, marketing plan, logistics, and projected outcomes. From start to finish, their dedication was clear. “It just goes to show that if you’re passionate and willing to put in the work and effort, the University does want to support you in that,” said Catherine.

Chairing a committee of 30 students, which included fellow RAs, village mentors and community residents, Lucy and Catherine orchestrated a large-scale event that came to life with five different haunted scenes. Each scene told a part of a chilling story about a family who met their end in five unique ways.

Volunteers contributed by creating the haunted scenes, developing the storyline, and even acting as “scarers” during the event. The turnout was impressive, with over 150 students attending, some braving the haunted house multiple times for an extra dose of fright.

The event highlighted not only Lucy and Catherine’s leadership skills but also the teamwork and commitment from all involved. “There is always a way to start planning. The possibilities are endless,” Lucy shared. “Even the volunteers who were able to be involved for a short period of time felt the impact of being part of this community.”

For students considering the RA role, this event is a shining example of how RAs can impact the campus experience. It’s about more than just organizing activities; it’s about creating a welcoming environment, supporting each other, and forming bonds that make campus feel like home. And for everyone who lives on campus, it’s events like these that turn neighbors into friends and halls into communities.