From the Parents Program
We are very excited about taking on the roles of co-chairs of the Parents Council. Our son, Brad, is a senior and has enjoyed three wonderful years at Union. We are definitely looking forward to meeting other parents, sharing our experiences, and communicating the parents' thoughts with the College.
First, we would to thank Tom and Sally Simons (Emily '03) for their leadership as co-chairs. They are handing off these positions to us and have set high standards of leadership and parent involvement. We join Union in thanking them for everything they have done.
In early spring, you will be receiving the Parents Questionnaire. Please take the time to fill this out and let us know your thoughts about your student's Union experience. We will share the results with the College's administration and will send a letter to parents so they would know the feedback we are receiving. Last year 18 percent of parents responded to the questionnaire, and we hope to improve participation. Thank you in advance for your time and input!
Don't forget that Spring Family Weekend is coming up on May 9-11. This weekend includes the Steinmetz Symposium (Friday, May 9), where many of our seniors present their theses and other students present projects they have been working on. Steinmetz is a terrific opportunity to see your student (and many others) in action and observe firsthand the education they are receiving. Prize Day takes place on Saturday, May 10. This is a ceremony in which many students receive awards ranging from academic departmental honors to community service honors. In addition, there is a Saturday morning breakfast for parents and a faculty presentation. Come and enjoy a couple of spring days on campus.
The Parents Fund is off to a strong start again this year. Currently, $73,908 has been given from 421 parents of current students and parents of alumni. Bill Gottdenker, Parents Fund Chair, asked us to extend his appreciation to all parents who have given a gift. This gesture of support means so much. Last year, more than 41 percent of parents of current students chose to participate. Bill also extends a special thank you to the Parents Fund volunteers (parents) who are making calls to ask other parents to join them in supporting Union! Our student affiliates will call parents
during the winter.
The Union experience, and particularly the Parents Council, provides many opportunities for parents to be involved either on campus or from afar. We sponsor welcoming calls to families of incoming first-year students, help to find internships for students, mentor students in career decisions and direction, host parent gatherings around the country, and are active in College development. All parents are members of the council, and we'd be delighted to hear from you. If you would like to discuss your involvement, please e-mail the
Parents Program Office at Parents_Council@union.edu.
We look forward to seeing you on campus. Have a wonderful winter!