TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SAACURH) selected The University of Alabama as the School of the Year.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements on the campus level by a residence hall organization and associated groups, as well as contributions on regional and national levels. There are more than 50 schools from 10 states in SAACURH.

The University of Alabama’s Residence Hall Association hosted a successful SAACURH business conference the weekend of March 21-23. More than 200 delegates from around the region participated in the regional business meeting. UA received an appreciation plaque from SAACURH for hosting the conference.

Many UA students received recognition and awards at the conference, including:

Stephen Summers of Lawrenceville, Ga., the current sergeant at arms for UA’s RHA, was elected the regional affiliations coordinator elect for 2003-2004. He will take office at the national RHA meeting in May.

UA’s RHA president Krista Stringer of Creola was selected as the Student of the Year by SAACURH. This award recognizes outstanding service to the National Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) by an individual.

Three UA students also received the NACURH Silver Pins: Amy Glasgow of Heflin, Summers and Stringer. The pins are awarded to individuals who have provided leadership and direction to the regional affiliate of NACURH. The Silver Pin Award is given at the regional director’s discretion. The maximum number of pins that may be given out in a year is equal to the number of regional affiliates in NACURH.

RHA adviser Thomas Hardy received the Gold Pin award. This award is similar to the Silver Pin but is given by other SAACURH regional board members.