Westminster Rolls Out the Blue Carpet for Prospective Students
Student Foundation Representatives Kathlyn Cooper, ’18 from Marble Hill, MO; Kaely Fitterling, ’18 from Bridgeton, MO; and Laurel Royer,’19 from Fulton, MO
Over 100 guests and 37 prospective Blue Jays met with President Lamkin and other campus leaders Saturday, Dec. 2, at a Welcome to Westminster event organized by the Office of Enrollment.
The day began with a welcome from Vice President of Enrollment Services Ted Kulawiak and opening remarks from President Fletch Lamkin. “Students come to Westminster College to be transformed,” President Lamkin told the group. “They find their power in purpose here and leave ready to change the world.”
He spoke to the prospective students about the individual attention students receive here because of Westminster’s 16-to-1 student to faculty ratio and the great value students get from a Westminster education, ranked top 5% best colleges for the money in 2017.
President Lamkin emphasized that 96% of Westminster graduates land their first job or are placed in graduate or professional schools within six months of graduation, and the vast majority of Westminster students are able to graduate in four years.
Following President Lamkin’s presentation, Aimee Bristow, Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid, explained “The Road to Becoming a Blue Jay.”
Next, a panel of students talked about their Westminster educational experience.
“Families were impressed with our Westminster students and how knowledgeable they are,” says Kulawiak. “Families could tell that students really love their experience at Westminster and the enthusiasm resonated through our campus tours and student panel answers.”
Then prospective students and their parents were taken on campus tours.
“One St. Louis prospective family stated, ‘Our tour guide was exceptional and sold Westminster College very well!'” says Michael Gruzeski, Regional Director of Admissions for the St. Louis area. “The tour was spectacular, and it was even more impressive that their tour guide was only a sophomore.”
After their tours students returned to the Coulter Science Lecture Hall for a presentation on “Why Liberal Arts?” from Dr. Nate Leonard, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, and an academic panel composed of Dr. Leonard, Associate Professor of History Dr. Cinnamon Brown, Professor of Speech Communication Keith Hardeman, and Assistant Professor of English Dr. Heidi LaVine.
The morning concluded with lunch in the Backer Dining Room, giving the students a chance to interact with Student Foundation members and professors at their tables.
In the afternoon, they were free to visit the College Bookstore and the National Churchill Museum, but a new optional tour of Greek Life was very popular.
“Students loved the addition of Greek Life tours because it is not something that students normally see on campus,” says Admissions Representative Grayson Coker. “Being able to go into each of the fraternities and learn about the chapters from the members.”
Nicole Elliott, Director of Campus Life, agrees. “The energy within the sorority showcase was truly amazing,” says Elliott. “The prospective women got a lot of good information and will be able to make informed decisions when they choose Westminster.”
The next Welcome to Westminster event for students will be held Feb. 19. Prospective students can register to attend here.
Know a high school student whose life would be changed by a Westminster education? Click here to refer a student to Westminster.
