See also "Student orientation leaders named"
June 2, 1998
KALAMAZOO -- Three undergraduate students serving as a student orientation coordinator during this summer's orientation program at Western Michigan University.
The students act as supervisors of 33 orientation student leaders who help freshmen and their parents get acquainted with the campus and University services. The coordinators live in a residence hall and operate an office there in order to assure the program runs smoothly during the 11 two-day sessions.
More than 3,400 freshmen and 1,800 parents are expected to attend the orientation sessions between June 8 and July 21.
Student orientation coordinators are selected on the basis of previous orientation experience, leadership skills, a personal interview, references, academic standing, curriculum, work experience and campus involvement in student organizations.
They were hired as coordinators last October and have since been examining the program in order to make improvements. They played a key role in the creation of this year's theme, "Opening New Doors," which focuses on informing freshmen of the many doors that will open to them during and after their enrollment at WMU.
"Student orientation coordinators play an important part in the orientation process because they have recent experience as orientation student leaders, and therefore have credibility with the leaders," said Donna L. StJohn, orientation coordinator. "They are good organizers and are full of energy, which enables them to successfully supervise the 11 sessions."
KEY: State, city, student's name, home address. Class, major, parent(s) name(s).
MICHIGAN--
CHARLOTTE--Jeremy L. Podany, 322 John St. A senior majoring in secondary education English, he is the son of Gerald E. and Nanette D. Podany.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP--Karen A. DiLaura, 41743 Kentvalle. A junior majoring in elementary education and Spanish, she is the daughter of Dennis and Christine DiLaura.
GRAND RAPIDS--Joseph S. Pellerito, 2174 Holtman N.E. A senior majoring in secondary education/history, he is the son of Linda Pellerito of 2174 Holtman N.E., Grand Rapids and Anthony Pellerito of 4353 Chesterfield, Grand Rapids.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron; jeanne.baron@wmich.edu
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