SMC hosts Fall Day festivities
By KATIE MILLER
News Writer
While touring Saint Mary's on Sunday, visiting students sampled academics, community and student life while participating in the annual Fall Day on Campus.
Admissions department representatives were pleased with the large turnout of prospectives. "We had close to 300 prospective students here today; this is the largest program we've ever hosted," said admissions director Mary Pat Nolan.
Nolan hopes the large turnout will bring in a larger applicant pool.
"We are always looking to increase our pool of applicants. Last year, 1,041 women applied. This year, we hope to match those numbers or increase them," said Nolan.
Fall Day on Campus began with continental breakfast followed by a formal welcome by College president Marilou Eldred along with a prayer service. The prospective students and their families then attended a presentation that focused on admission and financial aid.
"Everything was extremely well organized, especially the financial steps," said Mary Ann Shanahan, mother of prospective student Molly Shanahan. "The presentations were spaced apart so that we were able to absorb everything and still not become overwhelmed. I am leaving much more relaxed than when I arrived."
Next, parents and prospective students divided into two groups. High school students met with a separate panel from their parents, which allowed them to ask questions in a more casual atmosphere. Parents met primarily with a group of Saint Mary's students and their parents.
After the panel discussions, high school students toured the entire campus and dined at the Noble Family Dining Hall.
"I'm having so much fun," said prospective student Mary Ann Gerlach.
"My daughter graduated in '96, and every time I come here, Saint Mary's looks better and better. There have been a lot of improvements," said Gerlach's mother, Gabriela Gerlach.
"From a parental standpoint, everything that we needed to know was presented, and presented beautifully at that. The presenters, tour guides and other student volunteers were excellent. Everyone has been so welcoming and informative," said Kathy Clugston, mother of Danielle Clugston.
Many of the visiting students found the tours of the residence halls to be insightful into student life.
"I really like the dorms; this is such a charming campus," said Jennifer Hazaert, a high school junior.
"I'm very impressed with the friendliness and warmth we were treated with by passing students in the dorms and around campus. I felt very welcome," said Gail Tabet, mother of Laurice Tabet.
"Saint Mary's truly has a special feeling to it. It's not like other schools; you are not a number. This has been a wonderful day," said Mary Ann Shanahan.
"This is such a beautiful campus. I can picture myself being here next year, " said high school senior Catherine Kraus.
"Saint Mary's has such a clean character, the girls are friendly; it's just the atmosphere I want my daughter to be in," said Susan Kraus.
The warm weather Sunday pleased Nolan.
"We are so lucky to be hosting this program on such a beautiful day; it is one of the best days of the year," said Nolan. "In addition to our large turnout, we are running ahead of where we were last year at this time."
In addition to Fall Day on Campus, the Saint Mary's Leaders of a New Indiana (LONI) project have developed a program called "My First Day on Campus." This program allows high school students to spend a night in a residence hall, attend classes and have lunch with faculty and administrators as well as participate in social activities.
Through that program, high school students are provided with information about the admissions process and financial aid. They also meet with a student panel for a casual question and answer session.
That 24-hour college preview was held Oct. 28 and 29, and Nov. 7 and 8.
"I really like looking around campus. Saint Mary's has so much to offer," said high school senior Michella Mendoza. "I hope to be back on campus soon, shadowing a Saint Mary's student. I'm very excited."
All News Stories for Monday, November 8, 1999
