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RELEASED: Sept. 30, 2004
DANVILLE, KY—When new students attend their first class at Centre College, move into their dorm or visit the dining hall they'll probably see quite a few familiar faces.
The friendly smiles belong to the approximately 25 percent of the student body at Centre who participate in the admission process. Student assistants, many of whom are volunteers, lead prospective students and their parents on guided tours of campus, join them for lunch, host overnight visits, answer questions as part of student panels and provide a personal, informative contact for future students and their families.
"The fact that these students help on a volunteer, no-remuneration basis is absolutely amazing," says Bettie Poland, a member of the Centre admission staff who works closely with student volunteers. "These wonderful students are willing to utilize their precious free time to walk visitors around the campus, sometimes in rain or snow, and they never fail to have a great attitude when they come through the door."
Poland says the assistants often leave prospective students with the good feeling that ultimately leads them to choose Centre.
"I had a great time on the overnight visit," says Mary Trigg, a sophomore from La Plata, Md. "You really get to see the campus and what a typical day is like with dinner, homework and interacting with other students. You get so much more than just facts and figures."
Trigg, who often runs into her Centre host on campus, now serves as a Colonel Corps member. She volunteers her time to give tours and hosts overnight guests. She enjoys the part she plays in the admission process and likes knowing she's made an impact.
"It's nice to be able to help out and see those people I've given tours to or hosted overnight come back to Centre," she says.
Admission counselor and former Colonel Corps member Amy Dedman '04 understands how crucial these students are.
"Current student involvement is extremely important in the recruitment process," Dedman says. "Colonel Corps members make a difference by providing a first-hand perspective on the academics, athletics and campus involvement that prospective students and their families can appreciate."
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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/
For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.
Communications Office
Centre College
600 W. Walnut Street
Danville, KY 40422
Public Information Coordinator: Telephone 859-238-5714