SJC Long Island’s Admitted Student Reception on Sunday was the most successful such event to date — attracting 325 students and some 950 guests, said Kathleen Magistro, the campus’ director of undergraduate admissions.
“The event was so large that we had to livestream it from the auditorium (in O’Connor Hall) to the McGann Conference Center (upstairs), and it was still standing room only,” Magistro said.
The reception, an annual spring event held to welcome students who have been admitted to SJC Long Island for the following fall semester, stirred quite a buzz across the College’s social media channels, as members of the campus community and fall 2018 incoming freshmen shared their excitement.
In a gleeful Instagram post, Rocky Point High School senior Jackie DeRosa posted photos of herself and two friends jumping for joy outside of O’Connor Hall.
Admitted Students Hear from President Boomgaarden
The event kicked off at 11 a.m. in the Muriel and Virginia Pless Center for Performing Arts. There, the future Eagles were welcomed to the Patchogue campus by St. Joseph’s President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and senior administrators.
Later, during a session called Parents in the Process, parents of admitted students enjoyed a humorous look at themselves and their new role as parents of a college-bound student. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, the session’s speaker, Mary Ozechoski, shared how and why students are successful as undergraduates.
Ozechoski also addressed parent concerns regarding tuition costs, the employment outlook, ensuring future employment, liberal arts programs and how to get the most value out of a college education through experiences both in and out of the classroom. SJC’s Director of Financial Aid Amy Thompson reviewed the financial aid process and explained the College’s financial aid award letter.
Student Panel
During the parents session, the admitted students gathered in the McGann Conference Center for a student-panel session. Current SJC Long Island students answered questions about classes, schedules, professors, activities, athletics and more.
Academic/Student Services Fair
Following the parent and student sessions, families reunited in the John A. Danzi Athletic Center for refreshments and the Academic/Student Services Fair. Representatives from the College’s academic departments shared information about courses, career opportunities and the College’s majors and minors. Admitted students also had the opportunity to speak with current St. Joseph’s students, coaches and administrators about the many student-life opportunities, athletic teams, support services and student organizations available on campus.
More Social Media Buzz
Here are some other social media posts from students and College staff at the Admitted Student Reception:
