ADMISSION

Every September marks a turning point in the admissions cycle — as we gear up for the "home stretch" of the recruitment process for the next year, it is so rewarding to see the fruits of the past year’s labor when the first year class arrives. Excitement, anticipation and, clearly, some nervousness are emotions written across the faces of students and parents alike. After the last farewell, the going does get easier — as new friends quickly make the place feel just a bit more like home.

Then it’s back to the office for our staff, where over the past few months nearly 4,000 prospective members of the Class of 2002 (it does get a little easier to say those numbers) have come through our doors. They have toured and interviewed and observed and questioned. Our student guides, interns and staff greeted them with smiles, brochures and information, then sent them on their way with an ice cream sandwich (our "thank you" to those who tour the campus on a hot summer day.) Many will be back again this fall for a second look, or, we hope, will recommend to a friend that they make the trip to Hamilton.

I am pleased with the success of some new admission programs, including this summer’s first Legacy Admission Workshop, which was well-received by the 25 families in attendance. On a brisk Saturday morning in July (something possible only in Hamilton), members of the admission staff helped advise prospective high school juniors and seniors on laying the groundwork for a strong college search. Without emphasizing Colgate in particular, we tried to help students reflect on their goals and objectives for college. Indirectly, of course, we hope the program helped awaken interest in mom or dad’s alma mater among some talented students. We look forward to continuing this program next year, most likely with an emphasis on rising high school juniors (Class of 2004!).

This fall we will host two open houses, on September 29 and October 27, which provide a half-day introduction to Colgate for students and parents. Panels with students and faculty complement the tour, admission session and lunch on campus. Please call if you know a student who might benefit from the program.

Fall is also travel season, and some new faces will represent Colgate on the road. We will miss the dedicated colleagues who have left our staff to pursue new opportunities, including full-time staff John Young ’90, Lisa Dubreuil ’89 and Michael Floyd ’94. We will also miss Shannon Thompson ’96, Lindsay Rovick ’96 and Peter Bartlett, who were a pleasure to have on staff in one-year positions.

Nevertheless, we are excited about the talent and enthusiasm of new colleagues. We look forward to the fall season, and hope to see many alumni during our travels.

The 1997–98 Colgate Admission Staff includes:

Mary Hill ’83, Dean of Admission
Ursula Cargill, Associate Dean
Ingrid Hale ’89, Associate Dean
Susan Dolly Lathrop ’88 Director of Admission Operations and Alumni Admission Programs
Leslie Zulch, Assistant Dean
Lynn Reardon ’92, Assistant Dean

Our new full-time staff members are:

Jeff Kniple, Assistant Dean (Cornell ’92)
Randy Tajan, Assistant Dean (William & Mary ’95)
Denniston Reid ’94, Assistant Dean
Jason Ballum ’97, Admission Counselor
Katharine deVaal ’97, Admission Intern

Mary F. Hill '83
Dean of Admission