University Residences awards annual Kay Rich scholarship to rising senior Olivia Zina

University Residences has awarded the 2019-2020 Kay Rich Scholarship for Residence Life to Olivia Zina, a 2^nd year RA majoring in Kinesiology.  This scholarship recognizes a Resident Adviser or Community Adviser who demonstrates excellence in leadership, inclusion, scholarship, community service, and participation in the residential and university-wide community. 

Olivia is an asset in the residence halls and on campus. She has demonstrated her leadership abilities this year in listening to the needs of her residents and peers, and advocating for them, along with many wonderful contributions to her staff and colleagues. She has challenged herself to be an active participant in her community by supporting and challenging others, working through conflict with staff members, and overcoming personal concerns to communicate and develop more meaningful and healthy relationships and programs.

Additionally, she has tirelessly worked to support the revival of the Kinesiology Club on Western’s campus. The club focuses on connecting kinesiology students with job and internship opportunities, as well as connecting students to different engagement opportunities to support physical training throughout Western. Olivia is a champion of service, generosity of spirit, and empathy in all she does. Olivia aspires to work in physical therapy and rehabilitation upon graduation from Western.

Her volunteer involvement in Whatcom Humane Society has given her the opportunity to work with  local animals, as well as to spread information about the shelter’s upcoming fundraisers to ensure that the animals, workers, and volunteers are all able to get the help and support they need. Additionally, those closest to Olivia describe her as resourceful, knowledgeable, unerringly kind, humble, sincere, and exceptionally detail-oriented and passionate for others’ welfare and follow-up. Her supervisor detailed her commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and grace, among other traits that define her as the deserved recipient of this award. 

Olivia’s passion for helping others is apparent through the work that she does supporting students on campus and helping others in the community.

The scholarship is named for Kay Rich, who served as a leader and mentor for students, faculty, staff and community members in her dedication to community service and community building.  From her tenure as Director of University Residences to her volunteer work in the Bellingham community, Kay has served as a role model, especially for Western students, exemplifying what it means to be a dedicated professional, a civically engaged citizen, and a genuinely caring person.  Kay’s passion for leadership has significantly influenced those around her to be the best they can be.  After Kay’s retirement from Western, she, along with many generous donors, created a scholarship specifically for Resident Advisors/Community Advisors to continue to support and inspire students as they make a difference in their communities.