Arcadia Community Helps Newcomb Get to Orientation

By Purnell T. Cropper | September 8, 2010

By Sarah R. Schwartz ’10

For International Studies major Tylyn Newcomb ’14, moving to Arcadia University was a harrowing cross-country adventure. A journey that seemed doomed for failure resulted in a happy success thanks to the quick accommodation of students, family members and administrators of the Arcadia community.

From her small hometown of Denton, Mont., Newcomb and her mother began their several day trek to Glenside, Pa., on Aug. 23. They were passing through Sioux Falls, S.D., when the main computer in the Newcomb’s vehicle failed, leaving them stranded.

“When we were stuck in Sioux Falls, I just wanted to be out of there,” says Newcomb. “I was just hoping the entire time that we would make it out and get to Arcadia in time for New Student Orientation.” After two days and several failed attempts by mechanics to repair the vehicle, Newcomb knew she had to explore a different route.

She called her assigned roommate, Susannah Fleeger ’14, in central Pennsylvania. They coordinated an affordable flight to Harrisburg, Pa., and stayed with the Fleeger family the night before Orientation, accompanying them to Arcadia the following morning.

With the help of James Bonner, Director of Public Safety, who offered to assumed the role of executor for the stranded college supplies, Newcomb’s care packages were received at Arcadia shortly after her own arrival.

Newcomb is thankful for the Fleeger’s hospitality and the efficient accommodation of Arcadia University’s administration. “Everyone’s help just made actually getting here that much better because I was on time and I didn’t have to worry about anything once I landed in Harrisburg,” says Newcomb. “Being at Arcadia has been great—I’m getting to know my way around and meeting all sorts of interesting people.”