Admissions Open House Welcomes Accepted Students
by Alexander Bossakov '20
Anita Tuvin Schlechter (ATS) auditorium buzzed with conversation and excitement on Thursday, Feb. 22, as admitted students filled up row after row for the Class of 2022 Preview Day. Dean of Admissions Catherine McDonald Davenport ’87 and President Margee Ensign were escorted into the packed auditorium by Dickinson’s Red Devil mascot.
The Red Devil was on hand to welcome admitted and enrolled students during the Class of 2022 Preview Day.
This year, Dickinson received a record-breaking number of applications, reaffirming students’ belief in the pillars that underpin a useful education for the common good. Ensign, described by the Vice President Emeritus of Uganda as “one of the most transformative personalities in the administration of higher education,” conveyed her vision of the college by sharing stories of current students and alumni. She recounted her travels across the country and open office hours in the cafeteria spent with students. Ensign shared that at Dickinson, “we don’t talk about student life; we talk about the life of a student.”
In an era in which, according to Ensign, “a single issue of The New York Times has more information than someone living in the 16th century had in their lifetime,” how do we best prepare and educate students to be future leaders? “It’s not about survival—it’s about thriving in a very new world. It’s about an individualized education,” she said.
Following her remarks and a Q&A session with students, Ensign hopped a train to New York City for the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Talent Initiative (ATI) Presidential Summit, where she discussed ways of increasing access to underserved students—a crucial Dickinson commitment.
The Class of 2022 Preview Day allowed admitted and enrolled students a peek into Dickinson’s approach and philosophy. The program included meetings with faculty members and Career Center representatives, open hours throughout various departments and offices across campus, campus and residence hall tours, a concert by students in the performance studies and chamber music programs and a student-organized trivia night.
Admitted and enrolled students will have a number of additional opportunities to experience Dickinson through the coming months, including the April 14 Accepted Student Open House. A number of regional events also are being planned around the country hosted by Dickinson alumni and parents.
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Published February 23, 2018