Welcome Class of 2014 !!

Last night was Convocation on campus. Different schools call it different things, but it’s basically reverse-Graduation. Still with the marching and the speeches, but this time the only robes and silly hats are on the faculty.

The theme is one of remarkable futures and growth, but with a warm and welcoming mood as a great incoming class makes its home on our campus.

Every Convocation is followed by a huge dinner in the Glade (a.k.a the grassy knoll outside the swimming pool). This year’s picnic followed a Mexican theme and the meal was delicious. Anecdotal evidence says college kids love churros!

Football and Women’s Soccer share our pool

Aquatic workouts are no longer a secret. So far today Football, Women’s Soccer, and both Cross Country squads have put in pool time to take some pressure of their joints. Preseason training camps take their toll.

Plus, swimming makes people smile. At least when they are not trying to breathe our pool water...

Pioneer Swimmers Abroad: Rachel in Chile

Junior swimmer Rachel Wolf is gone but not forgotten this semester as she studies abroad in Chile. She left a month ago and is already having a spectacular experience.


Some of Rachel’s thoughts:

“After nearly a month in the vibrant city of Valparaíso I think I am finally able to carry on a decent conversation with my all-too-limited vocabulary. It kills me that I can't make witty and sarcastic comments in Spanish, so I am making a point of learning as much as fast as I can so the Chileans will see the other side of my personality too (can't you just imagine - Spanish sarcasm will be awesome!).”

For those of us who’ve come to know and love Rachel, you will understand what the Chileans are in for once she has full command of the language.

Rachel is enjoying learning Chilean history and literature in her classes, as well as some grammar and physics. Rachel has also given her host family the gift of her exceptional baking, a joy we will be without stateside until her return this winter. Her peanut butter chocolate chip cookies were apparently a huge hit at dinner last week.