Residents of Pattee Hall, also known as North Hall, may have noticed some staff changes recently. After the former Pattee Head Resident (HR) resigned, Brady Arrenius ’26, previously the Pattee 2nd floor Resident Assistant (RA), stepped up to the HR position.
“I was nervous,” Arrenius said. “When the position opened up, I went to Jerrie Walters’ office. I told her that, although I was nervous, I ultimately believed I was the best candidate for the position.”
Arrenius has been an active member of the Monmouth College community, contributing to organizations such as Residence Life, serving as the Interfraternity Council President, Zeta Beta Tau, Order of Omega, ASAP, and Raíces. Arrenius believes his time as an RA is what prepared him to take on the new role. “I was privileged to work alongside Megan, who was the previous HR… it was a privilege to have a good HR, and I am following in her footsteps, which makes me feel prepared for the position.”
It’s no secret that Pattee is one of the most active and lively halls on campus. “I think that building a positive community in any building is one of the most beneficial things about residence life,” said Arrenius. “I think that if you’re able to foster a positive community, some of those difficult decisions that are inevitable will be easier.” It’s not easy, but Arrenius believes it’s crucial to uphold campus policy, and difficult conversations often arise from it. “I guess [I] take the word ‘easier’ lightly,” he said. “They will never be easy; they’re called difficult conversations for a reason.”
Arrenius has already begun to plan programs he wants to see in Pattee and other halls on campus. These events include Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming, especially when it comes to Latinx groups on campus, passive programming, and possibly collaborating with Graham Hall for fun activities or graduate school workshops with Peterson and Bowers.
Mia Martino Features Editor