Produced by: Produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications
August 8, 2012
Savoring their first taste of Red Storm hospitality — in their own “backyard” — incoming students from the Philadelphia area joined friends, family and admission representatives at a local Dave & Buster’s for St. John’s University’s biggest College Kick-Off of the summer.
“It was a great opportunity for students and parents to start forming relationships even before the start of the academic year,” said Janeale Gottlieb-George, a St. John’s admission counselor who organized the event. “The food, people and activities were just right for everyone to have a great time.”
More than 100 people came to the waterfront restaurant on July 18. The University treated them to food and provided game cards for Dave & Buster’s arcade. They were greeted by Beth M. Evans, Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Janeale Gottlieb-George.
The event was one of 14 College Kick-Offs held throughout the United States this summer. “St. John’s places a tremendous focus on student service,” said Gottlieb-George. “It’s part of what draws students to the University. Events like this reflect that sensibility by forming an early bond among incoming students.”
Students agreed. “Now I’m even more excited to start in the fall,” said Tyler Scott, who graduated from the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA. “It was exciting to see so many others who are headed to St. John’s from the Philadelphia area. I was also glad to see the admission counselor who visited my high school — it’s great to see a familiar face!”
“Everyone was so friendly — I can’t wait to see them all on campus,” added Lindsay Lawrence, who attended Philadelphia’s Central High School. Though she was not sure what to expect this fall, she said “the Kick-Off lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.”
A graduate of Pleasant Valley High School, in Brodheadsville, PA, Thomas Gerolimatos said he “wanted to come to St. John’s since I was little.” The College Kick Off made him more eager. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what it’s like to live on campus,” he said.
In addition to College Kick-Offs, the University holds Area Receptions and other admission events across the country. Students — and their families — also are invited to visit St. John’s three residential New York City campuses.