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Fall Receptions Generate Buzz
A fall season of admissions prospective-student receptions kicked off Thursday, Sept. 29 in Philadelphia at the Merion Cricket Club. More than 125 guests enjoyed the evening, which was hosted by Michael and Lisa Farrell P’13. (See photos from the evening below.)
According to Michael, he and Lisa “very much enjoyed the evening from beginning to end. There was a tremendous buzz in the room. It was palpable and energizing. People were generally enthusiastic to be there and inquisitive and talkative. There was a great vibe in part because we were with young people and in part because the interest level was high.”
Presidential power
President William G. Durden ’71’s remarks were a huge hit with all the attendees, from parents to prospective students to alumni. He introduced the importance Dickinson places on tradition mixed with innovation, lauded the latest issue of Dickinson Magazine that highlights 14 entrepreneurial alumni under 40 and shared stories of recent grads who exemplified the value of Dickinson’s liberal-arts education.
“It was an outstanding reception, and as an alumnus, I was excited and very proud of Dickinson after hearing [the president’s] comments,” says Louis Teti ’72, who attended with son Jeffrey. “He is incredible, and his manner of communicating to prospective students was extremely effective … just the right mix of details, important information and humor.”
Michael Donnelly ’02, member of the Alumni Council and co-chair of the Philadelphia Alumni Club, agreed, stating, “President Durden’s speech was uplifting and definitely presented Dickinson as no longer a school to watch, but a school that is. Personally, I spoke with at least five prospective students who were so impressed with the support and family-like atmosphere of the alumni and college staff.”
A valuable experience
Five Dickinson Student Ambassadors attended to lend a peer perspective and offer advice from someone who recently went through the college-search process.
“It is clear that alumni and the college truly value the relationships that are forged between prospective students and their families with Dickinson,” Donnelly adds. “The evening was full of interesting conversation with extremely gifted prospective students and families. It was refreshing to watch as the prospective students, attending from a vast array of public and private schools, interacted with enthusiastic alumni and students.”
Record attendance continues
Starting with the Philadelphia event, each fall reception has had record attendance and has generated exciting buzz about Dickinson. The Boston reception on Oct. 3 saw 221 people at the Doubletree Guest Suites Boston-Waltham; the Westchester County, N.Y., event on Oct. 4 welcomed 71 guests at the home of Mark Teich ’76; and the Greenwich, Conn., reception on Oct. 5 hosted by Bobbi and Steven Eggers P’13 had 103 attendees.
From Pittsburgh to Seattle, Houston to Chicago, and many places in between, this fall is filled with opportunities for prospective students to experience Dickinson in their home regions.
- Alumni Engagement
- Casual Conversation
- Record-Setting Crowd
- President's Ear
- Open for Discussion
- Mingling
- Prospective Parents
- Chatting with Counselors
Additional Resources
View the list of reception dates and locations.
Discover all of the ways we are In Your Neighborhood this fall.
For a chance to see Dickinson in person, Fall Open Houses are available.
Watch President William G. Durden '71's opening remarks from the October open house.
Text by Lauren Davidson