Volunteer spotlight: Receptions for new students
By Steve Seepersaud
The official start of the new academic year is just a few days away. We are happy to welcome the Class of 2016 to campus. To give our newest students a warm send-off, several alumni hosted receptions at their homes. These events were opportunities for new students to feel more connected to Binghamton by meeting each other and hearing from alumni and current students about their college experiences.
Sam Schuster '91 hosted a reception on Aug. 2, at his home in Bellmore on Long Island. Brian Rose, vice president for student affairs, and Cory Jacobs, senior director of major gifts, represented the University. (Pictured above, from left to right, the Schuster family: Meagan '14, Allison, Sam '91, April and Jake)
"As a new member of the Parents' Fund Committee, we were pleased to host this reception," Schuster says. "We really enjoyed meeting all the new parents and incoming freshmen. And, it was great to see the new students interact with each other and the alumni."
Howard Eisen '87 hosted a reception on Aug. 16, at his home in Livingston, N.J., attracting incoming students from as far away as Queens.
"We had approximately 30 people and, at one point, most of the students gathered in our living room with my daughter [Melissa '15] and just had a rap session on what to expect, and connecting who knows whom," Eisen says. "Additionally, new Dean of Students April Thompson was terrific. She was so enthusiastic, completely approachable and made sure she met everyone in the room and addressed any concerns they have. Virtually everyone who left felt a lot more comfortable and assured than they were when they walked in, so we felt really good about hosting the session."
BE ENGAGED - MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Learn more about how you can make an impact as an alumni volunteer. We have a number of ways you can be involved; we are certain you will find at least one that matches your talents and interests.
