Sophomore Sophia Rome to be Head RA of the new Sohn residence | Sydney Green

The new Marilyn Sohn Residence will be complete by the first week of June, according to Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé.

Péwé said the ongoing construction between Mary Randall Preschool, Howard Music Hall, and New Dorm is related to the new dormitory.

“We are expanding the existing parking between New Dorm and Marilyn Sohn Residence,” Péwé said. “The work activity between Howard and the preschool consists of a new sidewalk, sidewalk lighting, underground piping for rainwater, and additional water retention basins, all related to the Sohn Residence construction.”

Future Head Resident Assistant of Sohn, sophomore Sophia Rome, who currently serves as an RA in Olds Residence, said she is excited to work with her RA team to build a dorm culture for the first time. 

“Next year will be different for me, because not only will it be my first time being an RA in an upperclassman dorm, but also living in an upperclassman dorm,” Rome said. “In Olds I had the opportunity to help cultivate dorm culture, whereas in Sohn my team and I will have the opportunity to create a dorm culture.”

Rome said the RA team anticipates mostly seniors and juniors occupying the living spaces, and potentially a few sophomores, depending on availability. 

The dorm will consist of 25 double rooms and six single rooms, with a private bathroom in each, Rome said. In addition, the dorm will feature community spaces, including study spaces, lounges, a kitchen, and a fitness room.

Rome said her desire to serve others prompted her decision to become an RA.

“Last year, I wanted to become an RA because I love to serve,” Rome said. “I realized that some of the most meaningful moments of my life have been when I have had the privilege of serving others. I wanted to serve the incoming freshman class and help them transition to college life.”

One of the bigger responsibilities of being an RA is cultivating dorm culture, and her RA team is already brainstorming the events they will hold, Rome said.

“We are hoping to have a very homey dorm culture,” Rome said. “My team is very creative, and I am excited to work with them and incorporate their ideas for Sohn’s community.”

Sophomore and future Sohn RA Grace McNeill said the application process to become an RA is intensive.

“The deans and head RAs are very careful about who they pick, as they can really make or break dorm culture,” McNeill said.