Evan Russo – Resident Assistant Leader

Evan Russo imagines someday opening a summer camp and using his residence life experience to make his entrepreneurial dream a reality.

The Columbia, S.C., native currently serves as the residential services assistant in the Department of Residence Life as well as assistant manager for Roddey Apartments. Russo previously worked as a member of the Richardson Hall Council and as resident assistant for a leadership development academic success community.

The junior business administration’s work was rewarded with the first Student Safety Award, presented by Campus Police during the recent Student Life Awards Ceremony. He has been instrumental in helping improve emergency communication by implementing a radio system within his department and among the residence halls.

He also developed an online staff portal to improve communication among the staff.

In addition to his work on campus, Russo has gained valuable experience as a southeast regional representative of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, a group of 30 students who coordinate a $5 million yearly grant program to fund youth-led service learning initiatives.

“State Farm is number two in funding service learning projects, behind only the federal government. It is amazing to be part of their educational initiatives,” said Russo who will intern with State Farm’s corporate agency department this summer at their Bloomington, Ill., headquarters.

“If you had asked me about my future plans prior to my time here, you would have gotten a different answer. I feel the experiences I have gained have opened so many doors I never would have imagined having the keys for,” said Russo.

Evan at a Glance

• High School: Spring Valley High School

• Concentration: Entrepreneurship

• Campus Affiliations: Beta Gamma Sigma, National Residence Hall Honorary Society, Phi Kappa Phi, Judicial Council, Emerging Leader (freshman)