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The Pioneer Award was created to honor the efforts of co-opers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Each co-op nominated one outstanding member; all these super co-opers are listed below.
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CO-OPS: Rochdale Apartments, Fenwick Apartments
MEMBER SINCE: Fall 2004
MAJOR: Linguistics PhD
Having lived in the co-ops for only three years, Johnny George quickly assumed leadership to make substantial improvements to both the co-op apartment community and the organization as a whole.
During his first semester in the co-ops, Johnny demonstrated leadership and initiative by proposing changes to Fenwick management. Although not an official Fenwick manager, he felt motivated enough to suggest and pursue beneficial structural changes. Johnny brought issues before the membership and management team and wrote a proposal based on their consensus, streamlining the Fenwick management and establishing an administrative link between the Rochdale and Fenwick Apartments. Johnny’s reformations led to an efficient apartment complex with institutional memory, huge budget surpluses, and real member involvement.
Johnny has also contributed greatly during his two years as USCA President. During his tenure, Johnny had to execute the additional demand of ensuring the smooth transition from our General Manager of 35 years, George Proper, to the newly created Executive Director. Johnny’s other contributions as USCA President include: expanding Board training, continuing to develop the Supervisory Staff and Executive Committee retreat, and working with Cloyne Caucus to develop a future plan for post-retrofit Cloyne.
Even after completing two one-year terms as President, Johnny’s involvement has not ceased. This year Johnny continues his passion for improving policy serving as the Vice President of Internal Affairs. He is also currently chairing the People of Color Caucus for NASCO, strengthening the USCA’s ties with NASCO as well as other co-ops.
Johnny has familiarized himself with all aspects of co-op life and has conjured some creative solutions to the many complicated issues that arise from such a large organization. His openness and willingness to help on any policy is unparalleled. Johnny’s strong leadership and significant contributions have earned him the Co-op Pioneer Award for 2008.
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CO-OPS: Casa Zimbabwe, Stebbins, Kingman Hall
MEMBER SINCE: Summer 2005
MAJOR: Double in Physics and Math
Eric has proven exceptional, selfless, and committed involvement both with the seismic upgrades of Casa Zimbabwe and with the subsequent management of the house. When Czars elected him house manager before CZ’s closure for renovations in 2006, Eric started gathering and synthesizing ideas from people connected to the house for how the organizational and community structure would look like upon re-opening. Eric also took on the immensely demanding job of designing and planning the infrastructure of Casa Zimbabwe as an active member of the CZ Retrofit Committee. Through Eric's effective communication with all levels of the organization, he was the prime decision-maker necessary for the current residents’ satisfaction.
After passing a proposal at Board to restructure CZ’s management, Erik devoted much of his time during the summer to make sure the house would be restocked with all room and common space furniture. Eric then spent over 100 hours during move-in week setting up the house and helping members move back in. Due to delays, members weren’t able to move in until official move-in day, when Erik helped move in 90 people in one day. Erik then continued to work exceptionally above the house manager’s expected hours to ensure that the house ran smoothly and that everyone felt a part of the community. After resigning from the taxing position mid-semester due to health concerns, Erik continued his extensive involvement in house affairs as finance manager for the rest of the semester.
Eric will further his devoted service to CZ this spring as the House Improvement manager, designing and constructing the outdoor furniture and gardens for their back and front courtyards with $15,000 allocated to the project from a motion Erik brought before Board. Erik also currently serves as a member of the Cloyne Renovation Committee, sharing his experience from the CZ retrofit process.
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CO-OPS: Hillegass Parker House, Kingman Hall, Cloyne Court, Lothlorien
MEMBER SINCE: Fall 2001
MAJOR: Geography PhD
As the Recycling Manager at Hillegass Parker House (HiP) for the past 2 years, Andrew has been instrumental in motivating the entire house around sustainability. Andrew became waste reduction manager in summer 2006, and quickly set out to expand HiP recycling operations. Going way beyond his duties organizing and collecting recycling and managing the freepile, Andrew has set forth an extensive program of reuse, composting, and reducing house energy use. He has spearheaded replacing all appliances with low flow or energy efficient alternatives, increasing insulation throughout the house, and organized an extensive recycling and reuse information center in the basement of HiP. His efforts have reduced trash collection from thrice to once a week, saving the house thousands of dollars. In addition to playing a crucial role within house level activity, Andrew has also contributed greatly to the USCA wide waste reduction programs organized by the reduction coordinators from every house. HiP will savor the results of diligent labor over workshifts and long-term environmental upgrades to the house for years to come.
A HiP co-oper writes:
“Andrew Friedman is one of the most dedicated and personable members of Hillegass Parker Coop. I know of no one more committed to making the co-ops and the world a greener place to live. For two years, I have been witness to Andrew's extreme dedication to the environment and to HiP. He has done a thorough energy assessment of all three houses at Hip and is constantly brainstorming new and creative ways to reduce house energy usage. He consistently and effectively puts those ideas into action. His contributions to all house meetings and his openness and value for other's options make the house a stronger unit.”
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Noah Isreal from Andres Castro Arms
Rob Speidel from Cloyne Court
Paul Supawanich from The Convent
Jason Witt from Davis House
Jeff Foshag from Euclid Hall
Allison Saelee from Fenwick Weaver's Village
Carolyn Brown from Hoyt Hall
Willa Dong from Kidd Hall
Bobby Tomkiewicz from Lothlorien
Tim Ponti from Oscar Wilde House
Roland Saekow from Ridge House
Theo Slomoff from Stebbins Hall
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