Phuong Ha Receives Skookum Award at Western New England University

2014 Nov 7

Phuong Ha of Hanoi, Vietnam was recently named a recipient of the Royal Skookum Award, an honor presented by Western New England University's Alumni Association. The Skookum is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all their endeavors: academics, co-curricular activities, sports, and community service. "Skookum" is the Native American Chinook Indian word meaning "excellence." Ha was one of 15 outstanding students to receive an award at the ceremony.

Majoring in Law and Society, Ha is a member of Mortar Board Senior Honor Society and Alpha Phi Sigma Chi Criminal Justice Honor Society, and is recognized on President's and Dean's List. Ha is the President of United and Mutually Equal, the multicultural and diversity club on campus, he is also a member of the Civility Leadership Team. Ha is also actively involved in the Model United Nations club, currently serving as the Vice-President. Additionally, Ha is a member of the Class Council of 2015 and will be a student representative on the Board of Trustees' Student Affairs Committee. Ha has been heavily involved and passionate about helping first year students. Ha has been a Peer Advisor, a mentor with the U&ME Connections Mentoring Program, an Orientation Group Leader, Resident Advisor and a First Year Seminar Assistant. Upon graduation, Ha plans to pursue a Master's degree in International Studies, specializing in international conflict and resolution, and humanitarian relief. Ha's dream job would be to with for the United Nations.

Western New England University is a private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919. Located on an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England University serves 3,700 students, including 2,550 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Pharmacy, and School of Law.