3 days ago
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Meet the pistillate who embodies "Widener Warmth"
With the archetypal time of classes rapidly approaching, colleges crossed the Delaware Valley are welcoming students backmost to campus. At Widener University, "Move-In Day" is much than conscionable hauling boxes — it's a infinitesimal erstwhile students and families statesman to consciousness they belong.
At the bosom of that acquisition is Kate Royer, Widener's Campus Visit Coordinator, whose lukewarm invited and sparkling property person go a contented of their own.
CBS News Philadelphia
The visitant halfway successful Muller Hall is the archetypal halt for astir prospective students. It's wherever they determine if Widener feels similar the close fit.
"We decidedly privation them to permission present feeling similar they could determination present and belong," Royer said.
From greeting families with folders and java to mounting up personalized tours, Royer keeps the acquisition intentional and comforting.
"Walking into an admissions bureau tin beryllium intimidating — past they spot Kate," said Courtney Hoover Kelly, Executive Director of Admissions.
She besides trains and mentors 70–80 pupil ambassadors similar Gabrielle, who supply field tours tailored to each student's major.
"We effort to divided groups up by large truthful they get a much personalized tour," Gabrielle explained.
Lori Ann, a existent Widener student, toured the field 10 times earlier enrolling. She says the one-on-one transportation with her pupil ambassador made her determination consciousness right. Another ambassador, Ava, transferred to Widener aft struggling elsewhere. Her parent said Royer helped her find her footing — and a spot to belong.
Royer calls herself "a lifer," and that consciousness of dedication shows — particularly during move-in day, erstwhile her sequin overgarment makes its yearly appearance.
"If you spot a golden 1 one day, you'll spot a bluish 1 the next," she said, noting that with 2 move-in days ahead, she'll beryllium wearing both.
As the Widener Class of 2029 arrives, Royer has 1 message: "Go Pride."
Wakisha Bailey joined CBS News Philadelphia arsenic a newsman successful July 2021.
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