Aug. 24, 2012
After a busy morning of moving into residence halls , the Class of 2016 and their families gathered in the Great Room of the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center on Thursday, Aug. 23, for welcoming remarks from President John Garvey and Orientation's two student coordinators.As new students and their families arrived in the Great Room, they were greeted by a video of current students and young alumni offering advice and information about the University. It ended with a "welcome home" message to the newest members of the CUA community.Orientation student coordinators Matt Longo and Tiff Seaman kicked off "Doors Opening: A Formal Welcome to CUA" with remarks about their experiences as CUA students."For eight months, we worked to make these four days unforgettable. We are thrilled to have you," said Longo, a senior psychology major from Howell, N.J.Sticking with the "Doors Opening" theme of Orientation, both coordinators recalled their first days at the University and passed along lessons they have learned over the last three years."Several different doors will open for you at CUA. Be choosy," said Seaman, a senior psychology major from Indianapolis.On her first day at CUA, Seaman said she was "terrified and confident at the same time" but knew that one day she wanted to be an Orientation coordinator, welcoming new students to a place she loves. She advised the Class of 2016 to "do what makes you happy" and "follow your heart, which will lead to your passions."Longo spoke about his anxiety when he arrived but said that he eventually formed a community through campus activities in which he became involved. "I can say with certainty that I have made CUA my home away from home," he said. As far as advice, Longo told students to take advantage of living in Washington, D.C., and to "never look back."
During his remarks, Garvey recalled his own college orientation experiences with his five children. Knowing how he felt during those times, he explained to parents what they should expect for their own children at Catholic University. In a speech that often drew laughs from the audience, Garvey described what makes the school unique, its history, and the importance of faith and virtue at the University.The Cardaro family from Highland, Md., found the opening session warm, welcoming, and reassuring. New student Amy said she found the President's remarks "funny and not too serious."Her mom, Sue, said, "It was great to hear the perspectives of the two seniors. And I thought the advice offered in the opening video was perfect. It was stuff that I have been saying to Amy all along."Orientation will continue through Sunday, Aug. 26. For more information, visit http://orientation.cua.edu/ .