Recently hired RSVP coordinator resigns

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McKay leaves for family, job in Virginia; Student Center director's wife selected to fill post

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by Joy Williamson

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McKay arrived this year to fill the newly created position of assistant director of Student Activities/educational projects coordinator for the Community Involvement Center.

Sarah Nelson Crawford, director of Student Activities, explained that the CIC had previously been run by the Rice Student Volunteer Program. The CIC has become an umbrella organization which advises RSVP, Habitat for Humanity and Amigos.

With RSVP now in its 10th year, Crawford said Rice was willing to recognize the commitment of the CIC and provide money for the new professional position filled by McKay.

Crawford said the new job "fell in [McKay's] lap" and that the decision was difficult.

"It was not something she took lightly," Crawford said.

Steve Sutton, Student Center director, said that McKay "found another position that was everything she wanted." Sutton also said that McKay wanted to be in Virginia, where her family lives.

Vice President for Student Affairs Zenaido Camacho said, "I really hated to see her go. She was absolutely fantastic."

"I thought she was doing a really great job, and I was surprised she left," RSVP chairperson Meg Grulee said.

McKay will be replaced by Jennifer Willen for the remainder of the year. According to Crawford, Willen has been involved in student affairs for several years. Crawford added that Willen has been looking for a student affairs position in Houston since moving here with her husband Steve Sutton this year.

Crawford said, "I'm very sad that we lost Catherine, but I'm excited that we have [Willen] to fill in." A national search for a permanent replacement will be conducted next spring at the National Student Affairs Convention.

Crawford added that there is "a real push nationally" toward increased student involvement in the community. And at Rice, "Dr. Camacho is dedicated to having more students reach out beyond the hedges." With the university's increased support, Crawford said that CIC is in the process of expanding programs and getting more students involved.

This item appeared in the News section of the December 1, 1995 issue.

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