University of Denver - Kynewisbok Yearbook (Denver, CO)

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photo courtesy of the Cllrlon Michael Gallegos The fun ended Friday after the in- famous registration. Although students hated to leave DU for the summer, they could look forward to the friends, freedom, and education that awaited them at fall. Dr. Debbie Rooks, director of the program, commented, ttl think that basically it was a real good program, we had a good turnout of 385 students and 175 parents total at both June and July SOARs and we had 100 percent registration? One student on the evaluation comments said, ttExcellent introduc- tion to DU, fantastic experience, I pi- ty anyone who didntt attend.

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SOAR A Mid-Summeris Experience Freshman students pulled themselves away from pool sides and summer jobs to let their fears and uncertainties melt into a relaxed, friendly atmosphere at SOAR tSum- mer Orientation and Registrationi. The main objective of the SOAR pro- gram was to get students acquainted with the campus, both academically and socially. SOAR participant Heather Earl pointed out the advan- tage of a summer program, iilf I had to come the first day of classes in- stead of before for the first time, it would have been a lot harder for me. To be introduced to the academic atmosphere of DU, students met with their academic advisors who answered any questions pertaining to their majors. A chance to discuss ma- jors was also offered at a luncheon where everyone from the same ma- jor was seated at the same table. The Chancellor offered his advice and welcomed students to play backgam- mon in his office if they needed someone to talk to. Meetings were held for those involved with the Honors Program or interested in registering for a foreign language. Finally, the staff administered piace- ment tests. much to the dismay of those who had lost their academic in- clinations over the summer. Heidi Sjordal agreed that taking tests isnit an enjoyable experience, but it does insure that she will be in the right class level. The highlights of SOAR were those activities that provided students with a glimpse of the college social life that awaited them. One such activity, itKaleidoscopef, of- fered students a chance to get involv- ed by visiting tables set up by dif- ferent student organizations. A slide show and questionwanswer period showed students what Greek life was all about. Finally, SOAR afforded students a chance to meet new friends through movies, a Hawaiian dance, and coffee house, an activity which included a song session and skits. During free time friendships deepened, as well as understandings of DU life. For example, at midnight the men's fifth floor discovered that stairwells echoed and calculated the speed of a beer poured but of a win- dow. On a Pizza Hut outing, Evan Fleishman from Kentucky was enlightened on such Colorado topics as ttNativet, bumperstickers, the Shangrila Motel and ttcruising west Colfax. Michael Gallegos

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Geneva Glen: An Experience to be Remembreed Originated in 1954, Geneva Glen is a weekend activity planned ex- pecially for freshman at DU. It takes place at Geneva Glen camp in Indian Hills, where students interact infor- mally with faculty members, ad- ministrators, and upperclass students. This year Geneva Glen oc- curred on the weekend of September 17 through 18. Debbie Rooks, Assistant Dean of Students, tifelt positive about everything that went on at Geneva Glenfl Rooks was assisted in plann- ing Geneva Glen by co-chairs Chris Hilmes and Carol Giles. iiWe had a small turnout in terms of numbers. Only 130 people went this year. It fell on Rosh Hashanah and there was horrible weather. We had a great time though. I think we had a better experience this year because it was more personalizedf, Rooks said. According to Rooks, there was a higher level of facultyrstudent interaction and there were virtually no drinking problems, as opposed to other years. Geneva Glen included planned and impromptu activities guaranteed to please everyone in spite of the in- clement weather. The movie Monty Pythonls iiThe Life of Brian was shown following a night of in- vigorating square dancing. An outpost program option was offered to those participants who wished to sleep under the stars. Hik- ing, volleyball tournaments, and horseback riding at Mount Falcon were among some of the various forms of entertainment available at Geneva Glen. . 5Q Elaine Fusco, a sophomore at DU, went as a selected staff member because of such a positive ex- perience her freshman year. She commented that lit was a learning experience for all. I thought it was a lot of fun. It got the freshmen ac- quainted with everybody. The sports were fun and the volleyball tourna- ment was good. It gave the chance to have everyone work as a team. iilfs very beneficial the first weekend of school to get away. It puts you incontact with people in the same situation and its early enough in the quarter where you donlt have to worry about grades and tests and can feel free to relax in the moun- tains with other freshmen? said par- ticipant Amy Frazier. Another participant, Melissa Mashburn, remarked, IlGeneva Glen was a fantastic experience. It gave me a chance to get away from all the stresses of college life, relax, and get to know people in an informal at- mosphere. I was able to make con- tacts with a lot of professors. A lot of questions were answered in a relatively painless way. I met a lot of good friends that will stay my good friends for the next four years.