RELEASED: Sept. 5, 2002

DANVILLE, KY—A little more than 24 hours after she arrived on campus, Cindy Hartley was enjoying a picnic with Centre College's president.

"It was great," said Hartley, a freshman from Elizabethtown, Ky. "It was so impressive to meet President [John] Roush. Most college freshmen don't get the chance to meet the college president in a year, much less the first couple of days."

Hartley was joined by around 300 classmates last week when President Roush and his wife, Susie, opened their home as part of Centre's freshman orientation.

Many of the freshmen had previously taken part in Centre's early summer orientation programs. Additional events to help students become more familiar with the College began shortly after their arrival on Aug. 28. Activities included a parent/student welcome with President Roush, introductory meetings with academic advisors, a Student Life meeting with Vice President and Dean of Student Life Randy Hays and a meeting with resident hall assistants. Photos.

Emily Grater, a freshman from Athens, Tenn., said "I was a little unsure about what classes I should be taking. Meeting with my adviser was helpful."

Hartley agreed.

"That was one of the best parts of orientation. My advisor even introduced me to some of my professors."

On the second day of orientation there were advisor conferences, library orientation, an academic meeting with Dean of the College John Ward and Associate Dean of the College Bill Johnston, the picnic with the Roushes and a movie.

Students toured campus and were given some free time to exercise at the Sutcliffe Athletic Center or swim at Boles Natatorium the following day. The freshmen met at their academic advisor's home for dessert that evening, followed by a Luau Party and Dance.

Orientation activities concluded during the weekend before classes began on Monday. In an annual tradition at Centre, the freshman class took part in numerous community service projects Saturday morning (see http://www.centre.edu/web/news/clean02.html). Students cleaned up at Lake Herrington, helped with activities for the children at the Housing Authority of Danville, worked at the Humane Society of Danville and sorted clothing at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

Saturday night featured the program "Centre After Hours." Hartley said this was another orientation highlight. "After Hours" was a set of skits performed by Centre upperclassmen that were designed to show how students deal with everyday issues of campus life.

Freshmen said possibly more than anything else orientation offered a chance to become better acquainted.

"Friends I made in my orientation group will be in some of my classes," Hartley said. "Orientation provided a good opportunity to meet some of my classmates."

Grater said, "Being here early was helpful in that we weren't just sitting around our dorm, but out getting to meet people."

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