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.

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.

CO-OPS: Davis Hall
MEMBER SINCE: Fall 2005
MAJOR: English

Felicia’s parents did not have the opportunity to go to college, and they’ve always stressed to Felicia not to take her education for granted. Felicia says “I think it’d be a waste to take the class and not make the most of it. It’s not every day that you can take a class in Old Norse!

Felicia’s goals include excelling in her classes, further developing several novel ideas and publishing her poetry. She hopes to travel to Iceland and other parts of Scandinavia to do research on old Icelandic sagas and work with their original manuscripts.

Why Felicia loves her co-op: “Living in Davis has inspired me to take up cooking, and I absolutely love it! I always feel rewarded after cooking a scrumptious dinner and getting complimented by my housemates.

CO-OPS: Kidd Hall
MEMBER SINCE: Fall 2005
MAJOR: Conservation & Resource Studies

Becca was drawn to the co-ops because of the USCA's commitment to sustainable living. Her love of conservation has expanded beyond her life in the co-ops and her major in Conservation and Resource Studies, and has led her to start working with the environmental justice community in West Berkeley. She is currently creating a Wiki on local environmental issues which she hopes will become a valuable local online resource. After graduation Becca hopes to work with an environmental advocacy group and later attend law school.

Why Becca loves her co-op: “There’s always someone around to make me laugh. I’ve made incredible friends here, some that I will undoubtedly have for the rest of my life. And the food is amazing!”