Mount welcomes record number of freshmen at fall orientation

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College offered incoming students their first taste of campus life Wednesday at the school’s fall new and transfer student orientation, which welcomed more than 700 new faces to the college. College President Daniel Asquino said he was excited to see so many fresh faces at the college, and was happy to report record enrollment for the coming semester. “We are about 11 percent over the enrollment last year, and students continue to register,” said Dr. Asquino. “ It is exciting to see that students seem to be younger than previous years, which is an indication that they are looking for a less expensive option right out of high school.” When the tally closed Wednesday, there were 4,129 students enrolled at the college, taking a total of 39,938 credits. “No one year is the same as the previous year,” said Dr. Asquino. “We have more diversity on campus than ever before and it’s always exciting.” According to Greg Clement, director of student life at the Mount, the program acts as both an ice breaker and a general overview of the what the students can expect. “Today is sort of the big rally on campus and the students will get an opportunity to meet with faculty members,” said Mr. Clement. “The students are broken up into their specific majors and then they have an audience with faculty members that represent that specific group.” Mr. Clement said the orientation at Mount Wachusett is unlike others offered by community colleges, because the students seem to embrace a strong sense of campus life. “This orientation resembles a lot like a residential college,” said Mr. Clement. “These students here don’t have to stay, but they are all hanging out socially because of our groups and activities and I think that is what makes Mount Wachusett Community College different from other community colleges. Our students are really engaged in student life and the community as well.” One student who enjoyed the orientation was Monica Davidson of Gardner, who said she was interested in joining several student clubs. “I’m going to try to run for student government and join a legal group,” said Ms. Davidson. “My major is criminal justice, I would like to be a corrections officer, and right now they just have me doing my general studies.” Dan Stackhouse, an incoming freshman from Westminster, who also attended the orientation said he is unsure about what career path he will choose but is currently pursuing general studies. “It’s been really fun so far, its nice to see that they have so many student activities,” said Mr. Stackhouse. “I am hoping to get into a group so I can meet other people who go here, possibly something to do with drama.” Bryan Klink of Templeton, incoming Student Government Association president and association Vice President Gina Paquette of Westminster, fielded several questions from students interested in running for the board this fall. The two officers shared information about the variety of community service projects the association conducts throughout the year, including an annual holiday food drive, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts and participating in the Walk for Hunger. “We’re getting a lot of interest,” said Mr. Klink, a business administration major. “The SGA has helped me gain leadership experience. The opportunities are just endless. That’s why I’m interested in getting others involved.” During the orientation, the association accepted donations for School on Wheels of Massachusetts, which acquires school supplies for homeless children in the commonwealth. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 9/4/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 209)