Franklin Community "Springs Forward"
04/16/2008
A full day of campus events celebrates the past accomplishments and future possibilities of college life.
April 2, 2008 marked the first annual SpringForward day at Franklin College, a community event that promises to be a long-lived, well-loved tradition celebrating the variety of intellectual opportunities available at the institution. Faculty and student volunteers provided future graduates valuable information on academic programs and experiences beyond the halls of Franklin. Events began early in the day with personal advising sessions for first-year students. Professors and upper class-men were available to answer freshmen questions on issues related to their major areas of study. Other Franklinites rallied for new members to join in their campus clubs. Christina Bell, the director of the school’s busy Writing Center, explained, “We thought we could make it easy for people to come into this relaxed environment and explore their options. Before 12:30, almost half the community showed up. By the end of the day nearly fifty people declared a major. That’s impressive. It will add so much more meaning and focus to their experience here.” Afternoon meetings provided information on a number of topics from exploring summer internships to choosing the right graduate school and preparing resumes. Apart from such academic concerns, the deans and faculty arranged the day to encourage a more relaxed, open atmosphere in which to showcase the talents and interests of the student body. Director of Library Services Nigel Butterwick, Professor Brian Stanford, and Christina Bell organized a student art show that spanned the North Campus and Villa. “Everyone was really excited to see art in such unexpected places,” she said. Freshman Blue Delliquanti agreed, “People have been really enthusiastic about the work.” At midday, everyone headed to the soccer field for a family-style barbeque. Professors served up burgers, bratwurst and potato salad. Students laid out blankets to enjoy their food among friends, chatting with professors and peers alike. Some students took turns flying a kite while others started a pick-up football game. Later the gym opened for student-staff volleyball and basketball games. “It really made you stop and appreciate Franklin, and the life here in general,” said first-year student Madison McClintock. Staff recognized the accomplishments of those students whose hard work throughout the year has greatly contributed to the quality of life at Franklin in a late afternoon ceremony filled with laughter and emotion. Student Assembly president Nicholas Hasko, alum Jake Cornelius and Student Programming Board president Anna Peirano received the highest praise for their focus on improving Franklin College. Emily Boynton and Ryan Ellis presented special awards to students whose personalities alone make attending Franklin such a unique and enjoyable experience. Dean Sara Steinert Borella and Associate Dean Andrew Starcher closed with Registrar Marianne Lucien by raffling off Swiss Rail Half-Price Passes, gift certificates to Manor, and 500 CHF towards the supplement of the Academic Travel of a student’s choice. The celebration continued late into the night with a special concert by William White and the Emergency. The award-winning Wintherthur-based group selected a quartet from their eight members to play a selection from their new CD, Evolution. The rock music, infused heavily with reggae and jazz, was well received in the intimate, personal environment of the Grotto. “I would love to have more concerts like this,” said sophomore Gaby Centurion, “It really brings a young, vibrant feel to the campus.” Junior Adrian Mangiuca agreed, “It does a lot for the atmosphere and cohesiveness of the student body.” From beginning to end the day proved to be a success in focusing the energy and enthusiasm of the whole campus. White captured the feeling perfectly in one of his songs: “Change is on the way. . . So bring it on!”
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