August 13, 1999
Middlebury College Class of 2003 to Begin Orientation
September 6 —
Class is First to Include Middlebury Posse
Scholarship Students
The 540 expected members of the Middlebury College
class of 2003 will begin arriving on campus on Sept. 5. Coming
from 32 countries, 44 states and the District of Columbia, the
students will bring a wide range of experiences with them as they
undergo a week of orientation activities and trips from Sept.
6-12.
“The class of 2003 is an outstanding group of
talented young people,” said Mike Schoenfeld, dean of enrollment
planning. “One member of the class, Bryan Roberts, has conducted
cancer research in conjunction with college professors in his
hometown in Pennsylvania, and his work has been published in a
science journal. Another, Katherine Hoeschler, is already a two-time
world champion birler or log roller who has appeared on “ABC
Wide World of Sports” and ESPN. And these are just two of
the interesting stories this class has to tell.”
The class of 2003 will also include the first Middlebury
“posse,” a group of 10 students from New York City public
high schools who were initially identified as candidates for the
New York City-based Posse Foundation’s scholarship program by
their high school guidance counselors.
Since 1989, the Posse Foundation has provided full
scholarships to 175 such students to a number of colleges and
universities around the country. The selection process emphasizes
self-confidence and ambition as much as it does academic achievements.
The mission of the program is to provide a foundation for city
kids of all races and backgrounds to rely on once they reach college,
decreasing the chance that homesickness, poor grades, money or
other problems result in dropping out. Posse students meet regularly
before college and after their arrival, becoming a close-knit
group of cross-racial friends. Once on campus, the posse becomes
an example of how students from different backgrounds can find
a basis for understanding.
With the theme “Middlebury: Mountains of Home,”
orientation week for the new class begins Sept. 6 with a focus
on academic activities, such as meetings with faculty advisors
and an introduction to computer facilities.
Several gatherings will introduce new students to
the commons system, which divides the campus into five groups
of dorms housing approximately 400 students each. Students play
key leadership roles in the commons, contributing to the cultural
and intellectual life of the College community by organizing and
hosting a variety of events.
Social opportunities, ranging from a barbecue hosted
by Middlebury’s president to a nighttime square dance, encourage
students to get to know their new classmates.
On Sunday, Sept. 12, students will line up for the
traditional convocation procession from Old Chapel to Mead Chapel.
After the ceremony, which formally marks the class’s entrance
into the College, students will gather for a photo.
Late in orientation week, activities scheduled for
Sept. 9-11 will relieve the stress students encounter as they
make the transition to college. The events give them another
opportunity to get to know their fellow classmates and experience
life beyond campusboth in the local Middlebury community and beyond.
Prior to their arrival, students choose between three options:
MOO, or Middlebury Outdoor Orientation, “This is Vermont,”
and “Volunteer Preview.”
Now in its 12th year, MOO is a student
organization that was founded by members of the Middlebury College
Mountain Club. MOO leads student groups in outdoor activities
such as hiking and biking, developing among the new class an immediate
appreciation for Vermont’s beautiful countryside. This year,
for the first time, fly fishing will also be offered. The trips
also allow students to form friendships in a relaxed setting and
gain useful wilderness skills.
Prior to their departure, MOO student leaders will
attend a presentation on conservation in Vermont by a representative
of the Green Mountain Club.
“This is Vermont” offers students who wish
to become familiar with the Green Mountain state the chance to
experience local culture and sites. Beginning with an overnight
stay, storytelling, music and a traditional New England barbecue
at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf campus, the program continues with
a day exploring Burlington and cruising Lake Champlain on the
“Spirit of Ethan Allen II.”
Those participating in “Volunteer Preview”
work on daily community service projects, such as trail work with
the U.S. Forest Service or home renovation for affordable housing.
With about half of all Middlebury students volunteering at some
time during their college career, “Volunteer Preview”
offers an early glimpse into the real world concerns of Addison
County.
Upcoming Campus Events
Sept. 5 First-year students begin arriving
Sept. 6-12 Orientation for first-year students
Sept. 13 Classes begin
Sept. 17-19 Alumni Leadership Conference on Bread
Loaf campus
Oct. 1-3 Fall Family Weekend I
Oct. 15-17 Homecoming
Oct. 21-22 Mid-term recess
Oct. 29-31 Fall Family Weekend II