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November 30, 2005
Getting attached
This is the time of year when the visitors slow down and the applications speed up. The slow down in travel and visitors really allows everyone in the office to spend more time getting to know the applicants. It is also when counselors identify those students that they think are 'special'. Now the term special doesn't only mean the smartest or the most talented. Many times it is just someone that we connect or associate with. This connection is one of the special parts of the admission process. We actually become fans of students and champion their attending Albright. It also can cause for some major disappointment if a student informs us that they are going elsewhere. But that is what the process (college search) is all about; finding the college that is right for you. It is important to know that everyone in the admission office has your best interest in mind and if for any reason you decide to attend another school, we may be disheartened, but never angry.
We like to get to know students and help them with the college admisison and financial aid process. That is why everyone works in the admission office. So please feel free to pick up the phone and call us, or email us, or IM us, or post a comment on our blog. We enjoy making the connection with our applicants and finding out if you will be one of the 'special' ones.
An example, I just read a great application for a student that wants to study Theatre and Computer Science. Yes, an odd combination, however, that is what Albright students do! Well, one of the student's teacher recommendations was in support of his candidacy to another college (a mistake that is made a lot). I immediately contacted our Theater Department to see if they wouldn't mind contacting this student to court him. Dr. Matthews is always looking for talent and energy in her program and was happy to oblige. I hope that this student decides to attend Albright and will be excited if he does. At the same time, if he decides to go to that 'other' college, I will wish him the best of luck.
Posted by Chris Boehm at 9:50 AM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2005
Being Thankful.
In the season of thanks, this is my angel. Kennedy Carole Boehm. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope you and your families enjoy each other's company and have safe travels.
Posted by Chris Boehm at 8:21 AM | Comments (0)
November 21, 2005
Early Morning/Many Applications
7:30 am breakfast this morning with alums, faculty, administrators, students, alumni and friends of the College. We kicked off the Berks County portion of our Capital Campaign for our new science center. We hope to raise over $2.5 million in Berks County for the new building. Everyone is very excited about the campaign and the building. It will be a wonderful additional to our campus for students, staff and the community. I will post links with additional information in the near future.
This weekend I read some fabulous essays! Well written, but even more important, straight from the heart. Students wrote about auditions for plays, coaching cheerleading, being nervous about attending a leadership conference, finding out who they are, and other heartwarming topics. It is great to be interested in what you are reading. And this weekend's application reads did just that for me. All those that get call from me this week, thanks for making the reads easy this weekend.
I must confess that I am amazed at how much students give of themselves. The majority of students that I meet and applications that I read mention a student's commitment to volunteer their time in assisting others. I'm rather embarrassed to admit that when I was in high school, I, nor my classmates were really involved in communtiy service and volunteerism. Not this generation! Keep up the great work! That is why there are such high expectations on your generation. You continue to impress and astound my generation and the ones before me. (On a side note I will be volunteering my time for Catholic Services on Dec. 16th! A little office community service project.)
Posted by Chris Boehm at 4:02 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2005
There's no Starbucks in Towanda
Am I becoming a coffee snob?
Some perspective, I grew up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania (see Webster’s for ‘rural’) and did my undergraduate studies in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (see Webster’s for ‘very rural’). Today I traveled to the ‘Northern Tier’ (North-Central PA) which is a very different area than my normal travel territory of suburban Philadelphia. As I drove searching for my morning coffee I knew I wouldn’t find a Starbucks, Wawa or Barnes and Noble and that the Pump and Pantry would have to do. While cruising the rolling countryside on a rainy Tuesday with the low clouds covering the hilltops I was reminded that life isn’t always about getting ahead or buying the latest and hippest. Good cell coverage and an expensive cup of coffee aren’t things we need. Don’t get me wrong, I still am craving a white café mocha, but it is definitely down on the priority list. Yes, today was a day to take a step back, slow down, enjoy the scenery, and take inventory.
While slowing down I was able to realize to numerous differences between Bradford and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Differences quickly turned to examining similarities; students in both areas still stress about the SATs, ask questions about housing, majors and scholarships. Everyone from Towanda will go to the district football game on Friday night to root on their classmates just like those at North Penn.
The environment that you grow up in shapes your values and manipulates opinions and perspectives on life. The great thing about Albright (and other colleges and universities) is that these differences come together to enhance the learning and social experiences. Students from Athens, PA will educate those from Lower Merion, PA and students from The Haverford School will find common bonds with those from Wyalusing. Learning that there’s more out there than what you are familiar with makes you appreciate others and what you have and makes the world a little smaller.
So it doesn’t matter that Towanda doesn’t have a Starbucks:-)
Posted by Chris Boehm at 8:19 AM | Comments (2)
November 7, 2005
Another Week
It is about this time of the fall that the road gets old. I'm in State College, Pennsylvania tonight. Great town, but I would rather be at home putting my daughter to bed. Tomorrow I'll visit State College HS, Bellefonte, Penns Valley and Bald Eagle Area. Speaking of State College, today I met Jerry Sandusky, former defensive coordinator of the Penn State University football team. His son, EJ, is our head football coach and Jerry is on campus occassionally visiting EJ in his retirement. Hopefully he is giving our team some advice since we have unfortunately lost five straight games:-(.
Anyway, this is a busy week for the admission office. Applications continue to pile up and we try our best to keep up with them even though we are still on the road. Thursday and Friday are New Jersey teacher conferences so school is out! We get swamped by visitors from across the river. So many that none of us are permitted to
schedule travel on these dates so that we can take care of all the visit requests. Then Saturday is our second fall open house. We expect over 200 families to visit on Saturday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and these mild fall temperatures will continue.
Till next time!
Posted by Chris Boehm at 8:06 PM | Comments (0)