Over 800 visitors thronged Glendon’s historic manor on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 9, ready to take part in Fall Campus Day, prepared by Glendon’s recruitment and marketing team. The cold wind and lowering sky did not discourage these eager prospective students and their families, some of them coming from as far as Windsor, Sudbury and New Liskeard, Ont., Rimouski, Que., and even Philadelphia.
Right: Danielle from École Secondaire François Xavier in Sarnia, Ont.
The Fall Campus Day program amply rewarded their efforts, both in its scope and its warm and welcoming presentation. The fragrance of fresh coffee and croissants beckoned, with the Andrew Maynard Quartet – consisting of York students and graduates – playing lively, familiar jazz, which set the upbeat tone of the day.
Three information sessions offered a comprehensive package of information needed for choosing a university. There was a session on "Admissions & Money Matters" and another on “Your Academic Path” outlining the benefits of a liberal arts education, the value of language learning as well as identifying the building blocks for a Glendon BA or iBA (International Bachelor of Arts) degree. The third session, “Discover Glendon”, a new panel discussion consisting of students, alumni and faculty members, extolled Glendon’s unique advantages – a small campus and classes, a strong sense of community, focus on languages and a rich campus life – which drew an enthusiastic response from the audience. The huge turnout required the addition of a fourth series to the originally planned three workshops on each topic.
Left: Zosiai, Alex and Kevin from Langstaff Secondary School in Richmond Hill
Campus tours were in constant demand and the Residence Open House was a hit. As in previous years, the Information Fair in the dining hall, featuring professors and students from every academic department and student service, represented one of the highlights of the day. It enabled future students to receive information directly from those working in these fields. A recent addition to the day’s program, the Club Zone, staffed by student-club members, affirmed the vibrant campus life and intellectual ferment that exists at Glendon.
Right: Glendon student ambassadors Prince Saquian and Mélanie Fortin loved working at Fall Campus Day
Visitors’ comments and reactions confirmed the day’s success. “I heard a presentation at my school by a recruitment officer from Glendon and became interested. I am already bilingual, which makes Glendon a clear choice,” said Danielle, a Grade 12 student from École Secondaire François Xavier in Sarnia, Ont. “I am interested in studying mathematics and history with a view to doing an iBA. When I e-mailed a question to Glendon, I received an immediate answer, and I am generally impressed with the helpfulness of the Glendon staff. The school is very inviting, the campus beautiful and residence seems like a great choice. I will be registering [to Glendon] for next fall.”
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Above: Residence tour at York's Glendon Fall Campus Day
Grade 12 student Jenika, from Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in Whitby, Ont., said, “I came to this open house thinking that I already knew what I wanted to study, but when I discovered the many choices of subjects and possibilities [here], it made me consider some new directions.” Jenika is set on becoming bilingual and that makes Glendon a huge draw.
Left: Two friends Caitlin and Aislynn from Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby, Ont.
“I don’t speak any French, so the bilingual aspect of Glendon was a bit daunting until it was explained to me at this open house,” said Amelia, currently in Grade 12 at East York Collegiate Institute in Toronto. My interests lie in drama studies, sociology and anthropology and it seems that I would be able pursue these in depth at Glendon.”
Several visitors from the same school teamed up for the day, to see if they could continue their studies together. Two close friends, Ashley and Victoria, who are attending Grade 12 at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in Oshawa, came to Fall Campus Day together motivated by a Glendon recruitment presentation at their school. “We would like to learn more French and to study other languages as well. This morning’s sessions were very informative and the residence tour confirmed our wish to live and study here. We are definitely applying to Glendon for this fall.”
Right: Jennifer from Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga with her mother
This was Jennifer’s second visit to Glendon, coming from Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, as she had already come to last year’s Fall Campus Day, when she was only in Grade 11. “Coming from a non-Anglophone background, I really like the fact that most people on this campus speak two or more languages,” said Jennifer. “The information sessions provided very important details. The fact that French-speaking students, such as myself, can receive a language bursary and other financial help makes it possible for me to go to university. I would like to study business economics and international studies towards an iBA. Glendon seems to be a perfect fit.”
Submitted to YFile by Glendon communications officer Marika Kemeny