Over 180 men and women filed into the hangar during Vaughn’s two orientation sessions in August, saying “goodbye” to family members and “hello” to the faces of their new classmates.

The newest group of Vaughn students was welcomed by Senior Vice President Dr. Sharon DeVivo, who introduced them to the college experience.

“Vaughn College is where you begin the journey towards your future,” DeVivo said. “It doesn’t begin after graduation; it begins right here, right now.”

Following DeVivo’s welcome, the students were treated to a series of scenes illustrating the various situations they might encounter as college students, performed by the orientation peer leaders – a group of upperclassmen who help new students adjust to campus life.

The participants were separated into groups to discuss “Kindred,” this year’s selection for the first-year common reading program, and were also introduced to clubs and on-campus activities available to students. Members of the robotics club, Vaughn’s chapter of the Society of Women in Engineering and the athletics department were on hand to showcase club events and highlight Vaughn’s eight varsity sports.

The orientation leaders brought the students together using games and ice breakers in the afternoon, and took the new students bowling, before letting them settle in the residence hall for their first night on campus.

The students were reunited with family members on the second day of orientation, and were introduced to faculty members during the pinning ceremony where they were ushered into their respective degree programs. Following the ceremony, the students were entered into raffle giveaways with prizes ranging from Vaughn College apparel, Barnes & Noble and Visa gift cards, to an iPad mini.

Jerima DeWese, assistant vice president for student affairs, closed out orientation with a final welcome, and a reminder of important dates for the upcoming semester.

“I’m very happy with this year’s orientation sessions,” said DeWese. “Every year we have more students, and every group seems more excited than the last. You can tell they are truly eager to begin their journey at Vaughn.”

The orientation sessions were held on August 13 and 14 and August 20 and 21.

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From left to right: Senior Vice President Dr. Sharon DeVivo welcomes new students to Vaughn’s orientation sessions. Orientation leaders Darrell Drayton, left, and Lacy Dickinson distribute raffle prizes to attendees.