the Rice Thresher

Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Ariel Shnitzer Rolf Ryham, departing Lovett College resident associate

Last week, Lovett College Resident Associate Rolf Ryham announced he would be leaving Rice to pursue a tenure track position at another university. In response to his recent announcement, Lovett's Central Committee has formed a search committee charged with finding a new RA for the upcoming school year.

For the past two years, Ryham has served as RA for Lovett College along with math graduate student Renee Laverdiere. Both Ryham and Laverdiere hold degrees in mathematics, and can often be found assisting students in the common areas.

Many students have become close to Ryham over the past two years, and his absence from Lovett will be noticed.

"Rolf is always around and has a great presence," Lovett junior Gilbert Huang said.

Lovett senior Adam Hill agreed.

"Rolf is like the cool older brother from American Pie," he said. "He has more resources and wisdom than you do, but he has all the fun impulses."

Just as students will not forget his time spent at Lovett, the math professors recalls memorable moments as an RA.

"My favorite thing about Lovett College is the Lovett spirit," he said. "Lovetteers are unbridled and autonomous; they are a microcosm of creativity, emotional intelligence and humanity which we see again and again in Lovett theater, the best Beer Bike themes and our Research Symposium. I am so fortunate to have lived and worked with so many wonderful people at Lovett, especially the Aresus [Lovett Masters] and our coordinator Sharon O'Leary and the other RAs across campus."

Ryham said although he is still in the application process to find a new job, he will let everyone know when the decision has been made in order to plan a proper celebration.

Last Tuesday marked the first meeting of the newly formed Lovett RA Search Committee. Comprised of a cross-section of several Lovett students, college coordinators, the Lovett Masters and a former Lovett RA, the search committee will spend the next few weeks spreading the word about the position opening, sending formal applications to all departments and asking fellow Lovett students for input on potential candidates.

"We're hoping to have potential candidates before spring break," Lovett sophomore and co-coordinator of the search committee Justin Lopez said. "After we get back from spring break, we plan to interview the candidates."

With the enthusiasm and dedication employed by the current RAs, Lovett will carry a high standard for its candidates, Lovett College and co-coordinator Bonnie Brinkerhoff said.

"Rolf has very big shoes to replace," she said.

What sorts of characteristics are the committee looking for in potential RA candidates? According to Brinkerhoff, the committee is searching for candidates who will be compatible with Lovett and who are friendly and open with students.

Lovetteers share a similar expectation for upcoming applicants wishing to be considered for the position.

"I hope we get another RA like Rolf and Renee," Hill said.

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