Today's the day.
This morning, more than 100 of our incoming first-year students and their families arrived on campus for our first Orientation session of the year.
I was so excited to see them strolling across campus, headed toward the auditorium, launching the greatest adventure of their lives. (I am probably the only college administrator in the world who hates the summer: Things are just not as much fun when the students aren't around....)
Today was also my first opportunity to welcome them to Stephens College, to express to them how excited we all are that they are joining the Stephens community, and to remind them that we are here to ensure that their college experience is the most rewarding, exciting, challenging and fulfilling that it possibly could be.
I also told them I keep chocolate in my office.
And OK, I know that's the part they'll remember. But I did say we would do *everything* we could to make their Stephens experience wonderful.
And there's nothing wrong with including a little chocolate in that promise.
Campus today was filled with excitement! I loved it even more than my orientation 3 years ago because I know what is in store for our incoming freshman. I can only hope they fall in love with Stephens as much as those who have been here before them.
Good luck class of 2012! We have a wonderful new president to lead us, and a solid historic background to teach us!
Posted by: Rachel | 06/22/2009 at 07:30 PM
Definitely check out the chocolate bowl. I speak from experience here when I say your new President (my old Dean) buys high quality candy. I miss the candy - and her, of course, too.
Posted by: Kim | 06/24/2009 at 12:43 PM
EGAD! June? Where have I been while this change happened? In June I was off campus for the hot months of summer in Columbia. I don't think we came back until September.
I know for a fact there have been lots of changes since I was there. I visited in '94? something like that, and I was astounded at the changes. Stamper Commons was wonderful. And the new playhouse which I knew about but hadn't yet seen.
So many pleasures and treasures await the new Susies!
Posted by: Lee Lewis-Wu | 06/25/2009 at 05:10 AM
With the bowl of chocolate in situ, you may have to pry Olivia out of your office with a crowbar! She's excited!
Posted by: Kate Howell (mother of incoming Freshman, Olivia) | 06/29/2009 at 08:04 AM
I can speak for the candy bowl. It is great. So is (my old Dean) your new president.
Posted by: Erica | 07/01/2009 at 02:11 PM