High school counselors statewide joined the Newman University admissions team for a breakfast program Friday, Dec. 7.
The Counselor Appreciation Breakfast is held each year to thank high school counselors for all the work that they do for Newman. It is also a time to update them on scholarships, programs, changes
This year’s breakfast was Christmas themed and attendees were encouraged to wear their ugly Christmas sweaters. Norm Jones, vice president for enrollment management, opened with an overview of Newman, recent admissions initiatives and the newest programs.
Counselors were able to interact with a panel of various Newman professors and got a sneak peek at a Newman Studies Program course led by Teresa Wilkerson, assistant dean of adult studies, and Jill Fort, professor of criminal justice.
Paula Bette from Maize High School has attended the breakfast before and always enjoys visiting with other counselors.
“We don’t get out very much,” she said jokingly, “so it’s fun to see people you haven’t seen in a long time and network with them and see how they’re doing.”
Many of Bette’s students are involved with Newman’s advanced standing program throughout their time in high school and she appreciates the supporting nature of Newman through that program.
Debbie Hillman from Cheney High School also enjoys attending the breakfast each year. “It’s always good to see other counselors in a relaxed setting, not learning and having to take in a bunch of other information. And the food’s always awesome,” she said.
When it comes to her students, Hillman said, “I always encourage kids to come to Newman. In fact, I have a couple students here right now.”
She also mentioned, “It can be difficult in Cheney. Students want to get a little farther away than Newman but I think Newman has a great overall program.”
Hillman frequents Newman’s campus more than once a year by bringing both her senior and junior classes as a whole on a campus visit.
“I bring my juniors and seniors here in the fall to tour the campus,” said Hillman. “I’ve been concentrating on seniors, but I’ve started to include juniors — so this fall I brought both juniors and seniors. I just encourage them to look at everything and not worry about the sticker price, so-to-speak, and then encourage them.”
The breakfast ended with prizes for best ugly Christmas sweater, the farthest drive, youngest counselor and more.
