Bridget Rowe takes a lead role in welcoming students to campus

SIOUX CENTER, IA (08/29/2013)(readMedia)-- As freshmen arrive on campus, Bridget Rowe of Renton, Washington, is helping welcome and introduce new students to life at Dordt College during the Week of Welcome (WOW) celebrations.

Several sophomores, juniors, and seniors are serving as WOW leaders and uber staff. WOW leaders accompany new students throughout their first week on Dordt College's campus to introduce them to college life. Uber staff coordinate the work of the WOW leaders and helps plan, set up, and run the activities during the week.

Rowe is a junior with a major in art with an emphasis in fine arts studio as well as in social work.

"WOW leaders love getting to know new people," said Sarah Kaemingk, a WOW leader and coordinator. "I know many people sign up because they had such a great experience with their own WOW group as freshmen and they want to be able to facilitate that same kind of experience for others." These student leaders serve as encouragers, help create a sense of belonging, and encourage new students to get involved in the campus community throughout the year.

"WOW leaders are important because they allow the new students to have a friend or at least someone near their age with whom they can go to with questions, and not just during the first week, but throughout the entire first semester," said Kaemingk.

WOW leaders participate in:

• meetings with freshman academic advisors to review class schedules and explore academic offerings

• events such as Freshmen Olympics, Campus-Wide Slip-N-Slide, Block Party, and the Freshmen Talent Show

• helping new students familiarize themselves with buildings on campus as well as churches and businesses off campus

• worship events such as All Campus Worship, Praise and Worship, and Sunday church services

On the web: http://meritpages.com/achievements/Bridget-Rowe-takes-a-lead-role-in-welcoming-students-to-campus/7227789.