Welcoming freshman women includes a touch of home
Carmen Mesbergen
Issue date: 9/24/09 Section: News
When senior Shannon McCleary returned to campus this fall, she came with a vision. Burdened by the lack of interaction between upperclassmen and incoming students, McCleary decided to host a freshman welcome night at the Dow House that would include every woman new to Hillsdale.
"As a freshman, I felt I didn't really know a lot of upperclassmen," McCleary said, "so I wanted to help turn that situation around for this year's new students."
The other Dow House residents eagerly supported the idea. Eva Marx, senior, volunteered her artistic talents to hand-make all invitations on her 1930s typewriter.
"It's such a blessing to live in an actual house with a kitchen, and a parlor, and to use this as an opportunity to bless others. I've always enjoyed event planning, so when Shannon told me her idea I thought this would be a great way to use my love of entertaining to help new students," she said.
To date, more than 48 invitations bear the signature of Marx's handiwork.
Dividing each dormitory by hall, four Dow house ladies take turns hosting each welcome night. While two plan the desserts and organize the night's activities, the others deliver invitations to each room of the selected dorm.
"They personally came to each door to deliver the invitations, and really wanted to talk to us. I think it's just so cool that Hillsdale has so many people who want to meet first-year students," Jill Buccola, a freshman, said.
On Sept. 16, about 20 freshmen women from Olds Residence had their turn at the welcome night. Guests were greeted at the doorway with hugs and smiling faces. Mellow lighting and freshly-baked oatmeal butterscotch cookies added to the ambiance.
After introductions, those interested in a tour explored the Dow House, leaving others to settle about the kitchen table with cups of tea and cookies baked by juniors Abby Thistleton and Jackie Galonska. Games in the parlor and more conversation time ended the evening about two hours later.
"As a freshman, I felt I didn't really know a lot of upperclassmen," McCleary said, "so I wanted to help turn that situation around for this year's new students."
The other Dow House residents eagerly supported the idea. Eva Marx, senior, volunteered her artistic talents to hand-make all invitations on her 1930s typewriter.
"It's such a blessing to live in an actual house with a kitchen, and a parlor, and to use this as an opportunity to bless others. I've always enjoyed event planning, so when Shannon told me her idea I thought this would be a great way to use my love of entertaining to help new students," she said.
To date, more than 48 invitations bear the signature of Marx's handiwork.
Dividing each dormitory by hall, four Dow house ladies take turns hosting each welcome night. While two plan the desserts and organize the night's activities, the others deliver invitations to each room of the selected dorm.
"They personally came to each door to deliver the invitations, and really wanted to talk to us. I think it's just so cool that Hillsdale has so many people who want to meet first-year students," Jill Buccola, a freshman, said.
On Sept. 16, about 20 freshmen women from Olds Residence had their turn at the welcome night. Guests were greeted at the doorway with hugs and smiling faces. Mellow lighting and freshly-baked oatmeal butterscotch cookies added to the ambiance.
After introductions, those interested in a tour explored the Dow House, leaving others to settle about the kitchen table with cups of tea and cookies baked by juniors Abby Thistleton and Jackie Galonska. Games in the parlor and more conversation time ended the evening about two hours later.
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Mike F.
posted 10/01/09 @ 3:21 PM EST
Here is yet another aspect of life at Hillsdale that impresses me and makes me glad that my daughter chose Hillsdale. This level of caring for others goes a long way toward easing the transition to life far from home. (Continued…)
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