Providence, R.I.--"Providence College is a family."

That was the resounding chord at a summer reception for incoming freshmen in the Class of 2013 and new transfer students on June 16. Held at the Wethersfield Country Club in Wethersfield, Conn., the event was the first of 16 summer regional receptions sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations. The reception was hosted by the Hartford Alumni Club of the PC National Alumni Association.

Attended by nearly 100 people, the reception gave incoming students, their parents, and alumni an opportunity to meet with College staff and faculty members. PC offices represented included Alumni Relations, Admission, Residence Life, and Student Affairs Administration.

In his opening remarks, Michael S. Nelson '78, Hartford Alumni Club president, noted that those present had already accomplished the first mission--students meeting students, parents meeting parents, and students and parents meeting members of the PC administration and alumni.

Nelson spoke most resolutely about what he saw as the Providence College "difference." He said the difference that one gets in a PC education is the people. "The friends you will meet here are life-long friends," he said, adding that he gets together with 15 friends from PC and their families every year.

In his invocation, Rev. John S. Peterson, O.P., '57, national alumni/ae chaplain, likened the selection of the class to that of "picking strawberries"--you choose them one at a time.

Speaking directly to the incoming students, he said that the folder containing their academic and extracurricular information is viewed at PC as a "living, breathing, person who is saying, 'Invite me.'"

Father Peterson continued, "We never know what sparks college choice, but there was something here that attracted you. We are picking strawberries on Smith Hill in God's divine providence. The Class of 2013 is now in place."

A family feeling
Echoing Nelson's remarks, Rev. Mark D. Nowel, O.P., dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, spoke about the sense of family at PC.  He related a story about a current biology major who left the College after his first year because he wanted to study at a larger research institution. The student transferred to a state university but soon realized that he had to contend with class sizes of 200 to 300 students, and he did not have the access to the professors that he was used to at PC.

"As faculty, we are there for students," Father Nowel said. PC faculty have chosen to teach here because that is what they want--faculty want to know their students, he said, noting that the student transferred back to PC.

Student orientation leader Anna Fox '11 of Wethersfield, Conn., told the incoming students about the numerous activities for students and parents in the New Student Orientation program in September. She expressed particular excitement over the Building Bridges program, which is a day of service for all incoming students. Fox also suggested that students take advantage of the tours of Providence that will be offered during orientation, saying this is a great way to explore and to get to know Providence.

Fay A. Rozovsky, '73 & '08Hon., reassured parents that their children are going off to a "great school." She said she sent two children through Providence College and offered two suggestions to parents.

"While you do want to allow your child to grow and go off on their own, don't be a stranger to Providence. You live close enough to take a drive over occasionally and take them out to Del's Lemonade or dinner on Federal Hill," she said. 

Rozovsky also said that parents should include their children's roommates in their plans when they visit campus.

"You will find out about your child's life at college through their friends, and an invite to dinner off-campus means so much to a student whose family may not live as close by as West Hartford," she said. "We really mean family when we say it … we really do take care of each other."

A valuable experience
Commenting after the reception ended, admission counselor Diana Gingles '08 said the events offer students a chance to get to know classmates before the September orientation. The receptions are also an opportunity for students to become part of the larger College community, she said.

"As counselors, we have had the chance to get to know individuals personally throughout the application process. I have learned about each of my students' achievements inside the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the community," said Gingles. With these students preparing to join the campus community, she added that it is "really rewarding to see this transition."

There are 15 more welcoming receptions scheduled. For a complete listing, click here.

- Joan Lamar

--30--