The bright sunshine emerged, illuminating the mountains of snow, just in time for the March Gala event at York's Glendon campus on Sunday, March 9. Glendon staff, volunteers, prospective students and their families marvelled at the winter wonderland.
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| Above: A winter wonderland at York's Glendon campus |
Held a day after the March Gala at the Keele campus (see Headline News), the Glendon event began with a special breakfast provided for Circle of Scholars participants, the top students who have applied to programs at Glendon. The applicants and their families were treated to a breakfast buffet, flowers and music by the Andrew Maynard Quartet (all of them York students). Glendon Principal Kenneth McRoberts, in his remarks to the prospective students, spoke about two new programs at Glendon – the International Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Education for French and immersion teachers – and how the $20-million infusion into the campus recently announced by the Ontario government would enhance their experience and help provide them with a topnotch education.
Meanwhile, the main floor of Glendon Hall was already buzzing with visitors who were treated to a continental breakfast – à la française – with croissants, pains au chocolat and crepes, while they were planning out their visit based on the detailed programs that were provided. Three information sessions furnished all the detail applicants needed about the first-year experience, admissions, money matters, the language advantage, international options within the new programs, and the value of a Glendon BA, 
a bilingual, international liberal arts degree, in the world of work.
Left: Top student Kathleen Penrice (far left) and her parents came to the gala from Barrie, Ont.
“I remember a great presentation by a Glendon representative at my school," said Kathleen Penrice from Bear Creek Secondary School in Barrie, Ont. “It encouraged me to consider Glendon, where I could become more proficient in French and learn Spanish, while earning a Bachelor of Education. The information sessions at today’s March Gala provided me with helpful answers about residences and scholarships.”
Another prospective student, Luke Babad from Marshall McLuhan Secondary School, situated close to Glendon, said, “We had a very informative visit at my school by a Glendon representative."
Right: Luke Babad (centre) with his parents visited Glendon during the March Gala on March 9
"Coming from a family of journalists, I have a special interest in international studies," said Babad. "I hope to have a career someday in foreign affairs, and Glendon seems like a good place to prepare for that.”
Kelsey Sim and her father came all the way from London, Ont. A French immersion student at Banting Secondary School, she did her own research on schools and decided to check Glendon out, because it seemed like a particularly good fit. “I am thinking of taking French and drama, and Glendon has really interesting programs in both," said Sim.
Left: From left, Kelsey Sim and her father
Another academic achiever, Jenny Ho, came to the March Gala from the GTA. “I plan to become a French teacher and have heard great things about the Glendon program, and the fun environment," said Ho. She said she is eager to work on her language skills and also has an interest in psychology. “I really like Glendon’s size and the fact that you can get to know your professors and other students.”
Right: Prospective Glendonite Jenny Ho (far right) with her parents
Visitors had the opportunity to take campus tours throughout the day. Many said they were impressed by the intimate size and natural beauty of the campus.
The Information Fair in the dining hall had kiosks from every academic department, as well as student services, staffed by members of the faculty and personnel ready to answer questions and provide detailed information to prospective students and their families. A new addition this year: the Club Zone, in an adjacent room, had current members of student clubs on the ready with information and sign-up sheets for next fall.
Article submitted by Glendon communications officer Marika Kemeny