Orientation Leaders Welcome Class of 2016

By JoLynne Bremmer | June 8, 2012

Summer months usually indicate a time of rest and relaxation for students, but for more than 50 Arcadia upperclassmen, the warm weather means an early return to campus to greet the incoming Class of 2016 and help prepare them for college life. Summer Orientation kicked off today with the first of nine sessions for freshman and transfer students and their families prior to move-in day in late August.

“We made a lot of changes to the program last year to allow students more time to meet their classmates, as well as learn about aspects of life at Arcadia that are interesting to them,” said Ashley Friedman, Assistant Dean of Students for First and Second Year Programs.  Incoming students will be met by Orientation Leaders—OLs—who have been spending months preparing for both the summer and fall programs.

Friedman and other Professional Members of the Orientation Planning Executive Committee (OPEC) have noticed the dedication of these students. “Our staff of 55 Orientation Leaders are a great bunch this year.  They bring a lot of energy and a love for Arcadia.  We’ve been working hard through training sessions in March and May to get them prepared and excited to meet the new students over the summer,” she said.

Along with the professional members of OPEC, student members have been busy readying programming and events for the first-year and transfer students.  “This year’s orientation leaders have rose above and beyond all challenges that have been set before them. They have proven without a shadow of a doubt that they will be able to prepare the largest incoming class in our school’s history for a successful and enriching experience at Arcadia University,” said Jayson Flores ’14, Student Member of OPEC.  “The Orientation Leaders have made all the professional staff and student members of OPEC extraordinarily proud. The heart of this year’s orientation leader team will shine throughout summer orientation, to fall orientation, and beyond.”

Joining Flores as Student Members of OPEC are Chelsea DiMarco ’14, Danielle Bartholomew ’14, Emily Young ’14 and Emily Giovannucci ’13. In addition to Friedman, the Professional Members of OPEC include Heather Weaver, Julie DiTrapano, Catherine Mattingly ’99M and David Wood.