New and returning transfer students were treated to a special luncheon organized by Katie Murray, the Transfer Student Services coordinator and one of the primary representatives of transfer students at Drew Oct. 1.
The luncheon aimed to foster a sense of community and provide valuable resources for these students as some were beginning to settle into their new environment. Students got to enjoy pizza, snacks and refreshments while networking with each other.
“I believe the event went really well! It was great to see both returning and new students come together in a relaxed environment sharing pizza and squirrel stickers and getting to know each other,” said Murray.
One of the highlights was an interactive Mentimeter activity, which encouraged students to participate by answering questions like their favorite class, how they are getting involved on campus, their favorite on-campus dining spots and whether they are commuter or residential students.
Several faculty members, including Dean Ryan Hinrichs and Dean Jill Cermele, attended to answer questions and offer insights into the resources available to assist in the students’ academic journeys at Drew.
“Dean Hinrichs and Dean Cermele also came to show their support for our transfer community, which really enforced the idea that Drew is invested in supporting our transfer community,” said Murray.
A QR code was presented to attendees, linking them to a questionnaire that will help the transfer team gather information for an exciting initiative. Murray plans to utilize the information to create spotlights on Drew’s Transfer Instagram page to spotlight not only current transfers at Drew, but also alumni and faculty at the university who were once transfers themselves.
These spotlights aim to celebrate the journeys of those involved, while providing inspiration for present transfers attending Drew. For future transfer student events, Murray outlined some plans that were in the works.
“We are in the process of forming a Transfer Student Club on campus, which will create more opportunities for our students to get involved. We are hoping to host more events as well as create a better way for new transfer students to get acclimated during their transition to Drew,” said Murray.
In addition to Murray’s plans, there are currently plans for National Transfer Week to make a comeback. The week-long celebration will kick off on Monday, Oct. 21.
Benjamin Castro is a senior double-majoring in marketing and business with a minor in history.
