Chicago Semester

On The Road Again

Posted by Phil DeBoer in Alumni in Around Town in CS on Campus in Orientation in Staff Stories in Student Activities | Apr 07, 2011

Three months after completing his first recruitment trip for Chicago Semester, the Road Warrior found himself once again visiting college campuses around the Midwest. While this trip was in many ways similar to his experience in the fall, there were a few twists and turns that made this particular adventure unique in its own way…

On January 17, the Chicago Semester staff welcomed our Spring Semester students to Chicago with a week of Orientation at the Hotel Allegro. But as soon as I completed my tasks of situating students into their housing, introducing them to the CTA, and familiarizing them with the city and our program, I was off and away to recruit prospective students at our participating institutions.

I began my trip at Judson University, in Elgin, and then spent a week in Michigan visiting Spring Arbor University, Aquinas College, Calvin College, and Hope College. I then ventured west to Iowa where I spent another week visiting Central College, Dordt College, Briar Cliff University, and Northwestern College. Once my week in Iowa was over, I made brief stops at Elmhurst College and Carroll University before flying out to Alliance, Ohio where I visited the University of Mount Union. Finally, I wrapped up my spring recruitment at Trinity Christian College, in Palos Heights.

As usual, my days were full of class presentations and student meetings, but this time around I enjoyed the benefit of being familiar with the schools and faculty already before arriving. It’s really invigorating to feel the support of our program by the staff and faculty on campus, and I get excited every time I meet students who are genuinely interested in Chicago Semester. I also was thrilled to be able to hang out and catch up with some of our alumni from last fall who were still on their college campuses.

One highlight of life on the road is the opportunity to eat at a variety of restaurants. I have to give a shout-out to Bob Johnson and all the Northwestern students at Blue Mountain Grille who took such good care of me there. I just found out about the devastating fire in their facilities, and my thoughts and prayers are with them and the ownership as they recover from such a tragic event. I was pleased that I got to attend the Broadway performance of Les Miserables and the Chicago Bulls game with our students during my brief stints in Chicago. Plus, aside from a blizzard that kept me from visiting Cornerstone University, I was blessed with really great traveling weather (Sorry, Cornerstone! I’ll be sure and see you guys next time!). All in all, my spring recruitment trip was a success and I look forward to seeing everyone again in the fall!