by Rachel Coleman

Seward County Community College will welcome its 50th group of incoming students in August, and the first of those soon-to-be Saints will arrive on campus for All Saints Day April 6. It’s the first of five sessions for All Saints Days 2019: Making History Right at Home.

“These All Saints Days are a great way for graduating high school seniors to get settled, mentally, about their plans and their goals,” said SCCC Dean of Students Annette Hackbarth-Onson. “As young people, they haven’t done this before — it’s a big transition, and our goal is to support them and help them come in with confidence.”

Admissions director Bert Luallen noted that many of the participants are familiar faces.

“Our recruiters and myself have been out on the road all year, visiting high schools,” he said. “I stop at Liberal High School, and Eric Volden and Diana Chavira put in lots of miles to personally connect with seniors. It’s kind of neat to see them again as they’re preparing to start at Seward.”

College President Dr. Ken Trzaska said the events provide a framework for relationship-building.

“Here at SCCC, we live by five core values that will have a direct impact on students and their college experience: Trust, Integrity, Valuing Others, Quality, and Student Success. I think of those values as something like a promise — that this is a place where you can find a sense of connection and belonging, and refine your identity and purpose.”

On a practical note, Hackbarth-Onson said, the day covers important steps to that first semester.

“Our committee really took a close look at the schedule and asked what would serve our students best,” she said. “Along with the welcome to campus, we want to make sure students know how to finalize their financial aid, register for classes, connect with advisors, and learn their way around.”

Sessions for parents provide another facet of preparation, as families experience the transition to college collectively.

“Especially in our community, where the close-knit family is a huge influence in the lives of first-generation students, we understand that we need to address the impact on the parents, the siblings, the household,” said Vice President of Student Services Celeste Donovan. “Hopefully, this will help everyone make the necessary adjustments and feel comfortable with those changes.”

All Saints Day: Making History Right at Home includes a complimentary lunch for students and their families, an opportunity to explore the student union and time to learn about student clubs and organizations. The Saints Bookstore will offer extended hours from 1 to 3 p.m. April 6.

“Welcoming new students makes a really good day for us,” said Trzaksa, “getting to know each of our Saints makes a really great year.”

All Saints Days 2019: Making History Right at Home