Rebecca Alsum, a 2008 Northwestern graduate, has moved back into her former college residence. As the new resident director of Stegenga Hall, Alsum is looking forward to fostering community. “I want the dorm to have a spirit of hospitality,” said Alsum, “a spirit of love and grace and safety.”
After graduating from NW with a degree in sociology, Alsum worked for six months as the AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer Coordinator on campus. From that point until her new employment at the college, she was employed as a social worker working with homeless families, first in Rapid City, South Dakota, and most recently in Orange City.
Since beginning as the RD of Stegenga, Alsum has most enjoyed getting to know the dorm residents, working with the other RDs, and working with her resident assistant staff, a group of students she calls “caring, beautiful women.”
Initially Alsum was attracted to NW because of its music program and friendly environment. As a new Christian, she was excited about the opportunity to attend a Christian liberal arts college. “But what kept me here was the community,” said Alsum, the same tradition of community she hopes to continue.
In whatever free time she may find in her schedule, she enjoys activities such as playing the cello, reading, being outdoors and cooking with her husband, Mark Alsum, a 2009 NW graduate. She also enjoys sewing, which is evident by the presence of a table loom in her apartment. “I can make scarves and table runners!” said Alsum.
Her favorite item she was able to move into the dorm, besides her husband, of course, was a piano. It was an unexpected addition to their living space, and it offers another opportunity for women in the dorm to visit her apartment.