Wheaton Wire

Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Michaela Bunker '11 / Photography Editor The President's Commission had their first biannual meeting that featured a panel discussion about different issues surrounding the Wheaton community.

"Perspectives on the Value of the Liberal Arts College" was the theme of the fall meeting for the biannual President's Commission.

The intention of the series of events running from Oct. 22 to 23 was to bring to Wheaton individuals and families whom Kelly Labrecque of College Advancement described as "interested alums and friends of the college."

The Commission is intended to re-familiarize the visitors with the school through lectures and panels, including a "College Overview" hosted by President Crutcher and Dean of Students Lee Williams.

A panel entitled, "Why I Chose a Liberal Arts College: A Conversation with Wheaton Students," was moderated by Director of Admission Lynne Stack '81. The panel itself consisted of Gabe Amo '10, Hilary Emerson '10, Laura Montes '10 and John White '10.

Though President Crutcher was present throughout the events of the Commission, he remained in the audience as the students relayed their backgrounds, other colleges considered when applying, why they decided to attend a liberal arts college, the skills they have acquired while at Wheaton and meaningful experiences they recalled from their college careers thus far.

Once they gave out their backgrounds, audience members then asked the panel questions, such as how large a role alumnae/i play in housing students who intern away from home and how high school size played a factor in determining going to a small college.

Stack was asked how a small school can be promoted to students coming from large high schools, to which she responded that and emphasis be made on being a "selective school" that allows for "close relationships with professors."

The panel was then asked what disappointments they faced at Wheaton and how they were impacted by the school's location in Norton.

After the panel, Sharon Howard '87, Executive Director of Alumnae/i Relations and Annual Giving said, "The highlight of every day like this is the students. They make me proud as a staff member and parent."

Also in attendance were Mary and Donald Weiss, parents of Jamie Weiss '07.

"I thought it was provocative," said Mary Weiss, regarding the panel. Donald Weiss added, "I always get enlightened to hear the issues of the college." The Weiss', who founded the Weiss Women's Leadership Fund to enable female students on campus to take leadership opportunities, said of the Commission, "We take the trip every time."

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