SOARing into Summer

'Tis the season for graduations! Western New England University's Commencement was held this past weekend in the Alumni Healthful Living Center. WNE conferred 547 undergraduate degrees in addition to 163 master's degrees, 7 doctoral degrees and 159 law degrees.  Congratulations to all of our graduates on a job well done, we will miss you all but are confident that you will succeed now as a result of your Golden Bear experience!

While WNE was in the midst of its commencement exercises, our incoming students are wrapping up their illustrious high school careers! We wish you the best of luck as you finish out your senior year and eagerly await your arrival here on campus.  For accepted students whom are still interested in attending Western New England University next fall, we ask that you fill out your admissions response form and submit a check, money order, or credit card transaction made payable to Western New England University in the amount of $100 if you are looking to commute to campus or $400 if you wish to have housing on campus. If you have any questions about the deposit process, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Office at 413-782-1321 or visit this link.

For those of you who have already deposited here at WNE, you have an exciting few weeks ahead! You should be receiving in the mail information regarding Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) and placement testing. All students are required to take both English and Math placement tests prior to coming to SOAR. You can find these tests on your Connect2U account. Registration is now open for SOAR sessions. To register for SOAR please call 413-782-1312 or visit this link.  Summer Orientation is a critical part of your WNE experience. Here students will be meeting their fellow classmates including potential roommates, selecting their classes for their first semester of college, learning more about the important resources on campus, hearing from current students on their experiences, finding out more about the Bear Tracks program, and much more! Please review the dates of our SOAR session offerings to select the best option for you.  To review these dates and see the timeline of events as a deposited student, please visit our deposited students website with this link.

We hope that you are getting excited for what promises to be a fantastic incoming freshman class! To begin meeting some of your classmates, please join our Class of 2017 Facebook Group which can be found by logging into your Facebook account and searching "Western New England University Class of 2017" or by clicking here.  Have a fantastic summer and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Drew

Alternative Spring Break

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

            This semester, I had the opportunity to serve as a Learning Partner for one of Western New England University’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trips. For those of you that aren’t familiar with ASB, it is an opportunity that allows students to engage in meaningful direct service while exploring social issues and building relationships. At WNEU, the program has been active since 2001. This year, trips were led to 4 different locations: Radford, VA, Immokalee, FL, New York, NY, and Memphis, TN. Each trip had a planned agenda. I was fortunate enough to help lead the trip to Memphis where we worked with patients and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and served in the Memphis Botanic Garden.

            The reason I wanted to help lead an ASB trip this year was to connect more with current students at WNEU. As an admission counselor, a lot of my time is spent working with prospective students. Since I personally did not attend WNE, I wanted an experience that would help me convey to prospective students what it means to be a current student here. In other words, what is it truly like to be a Golden Bear?

            From the minute our plane touched down in the “land of the Delta blues,” our group was ready for service. At the Memphis Botanic Garden, we spent time pruning holly bushes, sorting crafts and re-mulching the children’s playground. The staff at the garden services thousands of children each year in the greater Memphis area. Their job is to make children aware of the connection they have with nature. The facilities span over 96-acres—there is always work that needs to be done. Though strenuous at times, the work we did in the garden strengthened our team. The WNE students encouraged one another and always had a joke or story that kept the group laughing and made the work fun. Our hosts at the garden were the embodiment of southern hospitality. We were often thanked for the work we did and even treated to a Memphis BBQ luncheon on our last morning!

            Many evenings were spent in one of the three satellite houses that service St. Jude Children’s Hospital. These “home away from homes” are where families stay when a child is a patient at the hospital. Our group was responsible for serving 150+ people dinner each night. Though the work that we did was at times stressful and emotionally draining, I witnessed the students support one another and complete each task as a team.

Our nightly reflections revealed the thoughts that many students had about his/her experience on the trip. Many connections were made between the work we did in the Memphis communities and how we can bring what we learned back to Springfield communities. The 8 students on my trip had given up their spring break—a week typically associated with beaches and relaxation—to learn about a new community and to serve the people that were part of it. By the end of the week, I came to know more about the type of student associated with the WNEU community. They are active; they are caring; they are engaged. They associate  learning with experiences that take them beyond the classroom. I encourage you (whether you’re a current or prospective student) to explore the opportunities available to students at this University. The ASB program is one way that WNEU can help you discover the best version of yourself.

Post by: Abby Meachem, Admission Counselor

For more information on our Alternative Spring Break trips, please visit the website: http://www1.wne.edu/lbc/index.cfm?selection=doc.7138

 Group shot at the Botanic Garden

 WNEU students Courtney Brown, Danny Venegas, and Corey Brown show off their gardening skills at the Memphis Botanic Garden.

We did have time for sightseeing! This is the entire group at Graceland.

WNEU students photographed outside St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

New Year, 'WNEU' You!

Hi Everyone!

I hope the New Year has been especially exciting and rewarding for you all. I’m sure many of you have made resolutions to become a 'better' you this year. For those considering Western New England, we hope that 2013 ends with a new you right at home on our campus! Who can you become as a WNE student??

An active citizen: Many of our students become active citizens by working with our Center for Civic Engagement. Through direct service, education and reflection students become involved in local, national and global communities. This year students have helped with Sandy Relief, rebuilt homes that experienced severe damage in VT, tutored local Springfield students and are planning 3 extended service trips for over the spring break. Why not pledge to become a better you by getting involved in your community this year? The Center for Civic Engagement at WNE can help you get there! Check out this video of our recent trip to VT: http://bit.ly/WViD4M.

A leader: At Western New England, faculty, staff and current students encourage you to stand up for what it is you believe in. There are many ways to do this on campus, including involvement in one of our 60 clubs and organizations. From student government to residential life, there’s opportunity for all to make a difference in the campus community. One example of leadership taking place on campus is the “Girls and Women in Sports Day.” The 14th Annual Western New England University “Girls and Women in Sports Day” is scheduled for Saturday, February 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Alumni Healthful Living Center. The free event is a community service program designed for girls between the ages of 7 and 12 from the greater Springfield area. Through leadership, our female student athletes provide role models for local youngsters.

An athlete: What better way to start a new year than becoming the healthiest possible “you”? Our Alumni Healthful Living Center provides opportunity for our student athletes to build both teamwork and muscles. For those who aren’t members of one of our 19 varsity sports, the AHLC offers intramural programs and fitness classes to help you get fit. Check out the list of intramural sports currently offered at WNE: http://bit.ly/V490kR.

We wish you all the best of luck becoming a “new you” in the New Year. If nothing else, we hope that 2013 makes all of you prospective students decide to become a permanent part of the WNE community!  

Soundtrack to Travel

Hello all! It has been a crazy past couple of months here in the Western New England University Admissions Office. Hopefully everyone is doing well in the aftermath of hurricane Sandy and our thoughts go out to all those who were in its path. Sandy has certainly had an impact on college admissions throughout the country with many schools pushing back deadlines to accommodate those who have lost power or had damage to their homes. Here at WNE, we work on a rolling admissions basis meaning we take applications in a "first come, first serve" manner. First quarter grades are required as part of the application process and for many schools, first quarter is coming to an end within the next couple of weeks. Now is the time to start filling out those applications! Here is a quick reminder of what we need in the admissions process as an undergraduate student (for transfer student admission requirements, please visit this site: http://www1.wne.edu/admissions/index.cfm?selection=doc.16):

1.  Completed application (either the WNE online application or the Common Application)
2.  $40 Application fee
3.  Official high school transcript including first quarter senior year grades
4.  Standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT)
5.  Essay/personal statement
6.  At least one letter of recommendation

Today is the last day of travel for many of our Counselors. After a grueling 3 month travel season that saw states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania covered in addition to all of the Northeast states, our Counselors will be returning to review applications. With all of this territory covered, a great deal of a Counselor's day is spent in a car. Thankfully, our rental cars were equipped with Sirius satellite radio this year which allowed us to rock out to our favorite tunes. Our Counselors were asked which song they heard most this travel season. Here are their responses, enjoy!

Rachael Dietert, Admissions Counselor
"50 Ways to say Goodbye" -Train

Abby Meachem, Admissions Counselor
"Little Talks" -Of Monsters and Men

Chris Wystepek, Associate Director of Admissions
"Everybody Talks" -Neon Trees

Madeleine Bergstrom, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
"Good Time" -Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City

Drew Guarino, Assistant Director of Admissions
"One More Night" -Maroon 5

Brian Michaud, Assistant Director of Admissions
"We are Never Ever Getting Back Together" -Taylor Swift

Danielle Langevin, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
"Wide Awake" -Katy Perry  

Get to Know Your WNE Admissions Staff!

Hopefully everyone had a fantastic summer and is right back in the swing of things in school this year! This is the time of year when we in the Admissions Office are extremely busy organizing and scheduling our travel so we can come see you at your school this fall. In preparation for the travel season, our office recently voted on "superlatives" so you can get a better idea of who will be helping you in the admissions process here at Western New England University. Enjoy!

Madeleine Bergstrom, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

-Madeleine is in her 5th year here at WNE and was voted "most conscientious hotel guest". This pays homage to her experience in higher education, specifically her travel planning, as she has been known to stay in several hot spots including Portland, ME and Portsmouth, NH. She arguably has the most difficult travel schedule due to the birth of her daughter, Ellie (who turns two in November), and because her husband is also traveling in his role for Admissions at another institution. Quite a juggling act!

Daniel Colina, Admissions Counselor and Coordinator for Diversity Recruitment

-Daniel is entering his 2nd year at WNE and was voted "most athletic" in the office. Daniel was a two-sport athlete in college having participated in both basketball and track and field. He recently placed first in the United States Track & Field Club National Championships held in Omaha, Nebraska. His signature event is the javelin, an activity he has participated in since high school. His personal best is 213'10''. Very impressive!

Rachael Dietert, Admissions Counselor

-Rachael is entering her 2nd year at WNE after graduating from the school in 2010. She was voted "best dressed" in the superlative survey. Rachael has been known to shop while traveling for the school and can always tell you where the closest mall is located. She is also a fan of online shopping, bargain hunting, and playing with her puppy Riley!

Matthew Fox, Director of Recruiting and Marketing for Graduate Studies and Adult Learning

-Matt is entering his 13th year at WNE and was voted "most computer savvy" in the office. Matt can always be counted on to solve those tough computer problems and handles the mailing and marketing for graduate school admission. He has been known to be a tough opponent on "Words with Friends" and loves having bragging rights over his co-workers.

Drew Guarino, Assistant Director of Admissions

-Drew is entering his 3rd year at WNE and was voted "Most likely to stay outside a chain hotel" in the office superlatives. He has been known to frequent bed and breakfasts, especially in his Pennsylvania travel territory. He typically has golf clubs in his car so when he is out on the road traveling for WNE he will find time to play a quick round! Drew also loves to take advantage of sports games that are in town in areas that he is traveling in.

Michael Horan, Senior Associate Director

-Michael is entering his 26th year at WNE and was voted "the Counselor with the best ties". Michael often wears the classic Jerry Garcia ties that are extremely colorful and fun! He is constantly complimented on his tie selection. Michael also is known to be the king of post-it notes, as his desk is covered in reminders. As he would suggest, if you write it down, it's hard to forget!

Michelle Kowalsky, Associate Director of Admissions for Graduate Students and Adult Learning & Coordinator of International Recruitment

-Michelle is entering her 8th year at WNE and received the most Counselor superlatives. Among her nominations she received "best packer", and "most miles traveled in one year". Michelle travels internationally on behalf of WNE and has been to several countries and continents. She is very meticulous with her packing, having to ship her materials internationally but she always seems to have everything well-organized and planned.

Danielle Langevin, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

-Danielle is entering her 9th year at WNE after having graduated with a bachelors from the school in 2004 and receiving her Masters from WNE in 2008. She was voted "social butterfly" of the office by her co-workers. Danielle is extremely personable and makes friends very easily on the road. She frequents such websites as Perez Hilton and People so she can keep tabs on all the celebrity gossip. Danielle is often organizing office functions and gatherings and loves planning activities!

Abigail Meachem, Admissions Counselor
-Abby is entering her 2nd year at WNE and was given the "best taste in music" superlative by the office. Abby can often be found listening to the Broadway station on XM radio and is a huge fan of musicals. She was involved in theater in both high school and college. Abby's talents are quite noticable as her theater experience helps make her one of the most personable members of our staff.

Brian Michaud, Assistant Director of Admissions

-Brian is entering his 4th year at WNE after having graduated from the school in 2009. Brian was voted by his peers as "the food eating champion" of the office. He is known to put buffalo sauce and/or ranch dressing on basically everything he consumes. Brian loves to travel on behalf of the school so he can visit various locations that have been featured on Food Network TV shows and loves to participate in competitive eating challenges. His ability to eat is surpassed by no one else in the office!

Chris Wystepek, Associate Director of Admissions

-Chris is entering his 9th year at WNE after having graduated with a bachelors from the school in 2002 and receiving his Masters from WNE in 2009. Chris was voted as the Counselor "most likely to show up early to a college fair" by the office. He is the co-coordinator of all admissions travel here at WNE and is the individual responsible for planning the ever-tedious car schedule. Chris is extremely enthusiastic about his alma mater and is always very well-organized with his travel.

Charles Pollock, Vice President for Enrollment Management

-Dr. Pollock is entering his 36th year at WNE and was voted as the "most involved on campus" by the office. Dr. Pollock has been with the school since 1977 in a variety of capacities including Financial Aid and Admissions. He is a key figure in meetings across campus including the President's Staff. Dr. Pollock has also been a central figure at our open houses leading a financial aid informational session for both students and parents.

Now that you know a little about us, do not hesitate to say hello when you see us at a college fair or other visit! For more information about where we will be traveling this year, please visit http://www1.wne.edu/admissions/events/ or for international recruitment please visit http://www1.wne.edu/admissions/index.cfm?selection=doc.9551

The Miracle on Wilbraham Road

This past Saturday Western New England University celebrated its first commencement as a 'University'.  This historic event featured  a brilliant commencement speech by Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson who had the unorthodox idea of actually sending a tweet during his speech (no joke--check out his tweet from Saturday, May 19th @neiltyson) ultimately leading to a standing ovation.  President Dr. Anthony S. Caprio had quite possibly the line of the day calling WNE the "miracle on Wilbraham Road" growing from a mere 34 acres in 1956 to nearly 215 acres today.

In all nearly 650 students graduated with the distinct honor of being a part of this inaugural University class.  Graduate Michelle Wiggett, who finished with a 3.96 GPA as a Criminal Justice major with a concentration in Terrorism & Homeland Security, was chosen to speak on behalf of the students.  She did an excellent job describing the vast changes that have occurred at the institution in her four years.  Wiggett commented, "As the first year started to take shape, we each looked for our passions and found our purpose.  Many went on to switch majors, change career goals and continue to find their true identities."

Best of luck to the graduating class of 2012 as they continue to serve Western New England University proudly as its newest alumni!

2012 Commencement Speaker Announced

Western New England University is pleased to announce the commencement speaker for the class of 2012. This year's presenter is Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, a famed astrophysicist. Dr. Tyson is currently the Fredrick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Dr. Tyson also works as an astrophysicist for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He can often be found on television, as he has hosted the show NOVA scienceNOW on PBS since 2006, and is a frequent guest of the Colbert Report (appearing on the show 8 times in 7 years), Real Time with Bill Maher, and The Daily Show with John Stewart. 

Dr. Tyson once served on the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001. In 2004, he sat on the President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy and was awarded the prestigious NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal which is the highest civilian award presented by NASA. 

We are honored to have Dr. Tyson speak at commencement in the Alumni Healthful Living Center on Saturday, May 19th. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Western New England University. For more information about Dr. Tyson, please check his Twitter account (@neiltyson) or his website.