George Fox Orientation 2009

9 days!

2009-08-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Orientation is almost here as the countdown continues. We're into single digits! Michelle and I as Orientation Coordinators are working hard to finish the last minute details before you all arrive. It has been amazing how fast this summer has gone.

My hopes and prayers for you all include that you have the opportunity to spend time with all of your loved ones before coming to campus. This is a time of great transition and change, so showing appreciation to the ones you love can mean more now than ever. Also, I pray that you have time to relax in God's goodness. Stress levels can be high as money issues are discussed and roommates are decided. Trust in God's sovereignty over all - inlcuding where you lamp is going to go once you've setup your room. Enjoy time with Him alone. It may be everything you need to prepare for the move to Fox.

I send you my blessings and happy thoughts as you finish your last week and half of summer. I'm so excited to see you all and get to know you in our community.

With love,

Jessie Sarver

MYSTERY BUS TOUR!

2009-08-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

SIGN UP FOR THE MYSTERY BUS TOUR!!!

Here is the link - http://www.georgefox.edu/offices/student_life/orientation/mystery-bus-tour.html

OR:

Go to orientation.georgefox.edu, click on New Student Resources, then click on Mystery Bus Tour which is under "Orientation"

You won't want to miss this event, so make sure you sign up!

See you all in three weeks!!

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Grace Muange

2009-07-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, hey my name is Grace Muange. I will be a sophomore this fall. I’m originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo but reside in Portland, about 45 minutes from Newberg, yep close to home! I’m the second oldest of 8 kids, and a “pk.” I’m an Allied Health major, and I want to become a health specialist someday. If I could travel anywhere in the world I’d like to go back to the DRC, because it has changed and I miss my hometown!

George Fox partnered me up with a wonderful roommate that I plan to know forever! I survived my first semester at Fox with the help from many including my peer advisors. They were a married couple and knew everything (at least to me). They knew all about campus and what activities to get involved in. I remember it was my peer advisor who helped me pick out my second semester courses and she was right about many things.

I’m enjoying my summer break and I’m excited to be your peer advisor this fall! See you guys soon!

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Bryan Martz

2009-07-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

Hey! What’s going on everyone? I hope your doing awesome! Well my name is Bryan Martz and I get the great pleasure of being one of your many O-leaders. I am going to be Senior in the fall at George Fox and I’m a business management major and after college I plan on going to to either bible college or the fire academy. Little side note about the whole major thing I have changed my major 7 times in three years, you could say I’m a little indecisive. But I think I finally found one. Maybe…
Anyway I was born and raised in California in a really small town called Cottonwood. I love baseball and I am lucky enough to get to play at George Fox. I am a huge Yankee fan and you can either love me for it or hate me for it your choice. Florida is my second home. Riding my mountain bike and road bike are two of my favorite hobbies. I love music, I like all kinds of music, I play the guitar, ok well I try to play the guitar but I’m working on that. I love having fun and making people laugh. And I love the beach.
I am excited for orientation week it’s going to be a blast. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you better. I hope you all have a great rest of the summer and that your getting excited for school, I promise you it’s going to be a blast. Just remember to have fun, embrace every moment, and don’t be afraid of the change that college brings. AND don’t be nervous just be really really excited!!!

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Heather Orr

2009-07-21T09:02:00.001-07:00

My name is Heather Orr, I'm from Kelso Washington and I'm a psychology major. This is my last semester in the Bachelor's program which I'm super bummed about because I wish I could stay here longer! From week one, I have loved the people at Fox, I have been so blessed! I'm passionate about the community here. I'm also passionate about anything outdoors, including hiking, swimming, tennis, gardening, etc. Well, that's a little about me, look forward to meeting you all!

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Meredith Tribble

2009-07-20T16:40:00.001-07:00

Hey y'all! My name is Meredith Tribble and I will be a SENIOR at Fox this up coming year. I will be graduating ( God Willing ) with a degree in Business Marketing. I am soo excited you all have decided to come to Fox! I remember looking at all of the schools and such... what an awful process! But now you are all done and now you just have to worry about what college will be like- but trust me, through it may be scary, college will completely rock your socks off (if you let it)!

Right now I am sitting in a coffee shop in my small home town of Cody, Wyoming ( yes, Wyoming. And no, I am not a cowgirl, though I do like saying y' all) thinking about meeting all of you and let me just tell you- this school year is going to be completely rad! If you guys need anything don't histate to ask- this year I will be the senior class president and therefor I have more power ( he he he) so I should be able to help y'all if you need anything!

So few things about me:

I have red hair, I am deathly afraid of moths, and longboarding makes me extremely happy. Also, the show Fringe... well I LOVE it and I am completely obsessed with it. If you want to see something funny, just ask me to explain the show to you- I will instantly become extrememly hyper. I would love to travel to Scotland and meet a beautiful man with a great accent who plays soccer... oh and who loves God! Its my dream. lol it will probably stay a dream. So George Fox... well Fox has been one of the biggest adventrues of my 21 years here on earth. While it has been competely challenging and just down right, ridculously crazy, God has transformed my life and molded me into the woman He has desired me to be. I am so happy that you are going to be joining in the life adventrue with the rest of us at Fox.

Find me on facebook!

Meredith Jean Tribble.

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Maggie Pitcairn

2009-07-15T11:33:00.002-07:00

Hello everyone! My name is Maggie Pitcairn, and I will be a junior this year at Fox. I am an Elementary Education major and looking forward to teaching Kindergarten once I graduate! :) I am from Medford, Oregon, where I am home for the summer, working at Costco. My first semester at George Fox was definitely different from being at home, but you will meet so many great people and have so much fun! Try not to stress too much about the changes...everyone will be there going through the same stuff! More than anything else, Fox has challenged my beliefs and made me truly think about God, and I hope it will for you too! Look forward to meeting y'all. Have a wonderful rest of the summer!

2009-07-15T11:33:00.001-07:00

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Brittany Miller

2009-07-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hello new GFU Students!

My name is Brittany Miller and this fall I will begin my Senior Year at Fox! I am an Elementary Education major and will be student teaching and I can't wait! I'm so excited to be apart of Orientation again this year. I hope you love it just as much as I do! I was an O-Leader my Sophomore year and was apart of the Orientation Committee my Junior year. This year I will be on Committee again! So you know a little bit about me now, the three most important aspects of my life are God, Family and Friends. I could not live without those. To describe myself in three words I would say I'm organized, caring and outgoing.

Freshman year is such an exciting year, because there is no other year like it! Some of my best memories of Fox come from Freshman year. This is not true for everyone at Fox, but most of my best friends at GFU are the ones I met and hung out with Freshman year. I lived in Coffin Hall and my floor had a great brother floor. Those guys and the girls I grew close to on my floor still hang out together. We have memories of late night runs to Sharis, Taco Bell and Fred Meyer. There are funny stories about roomies, rotic, floor dinners, main event, floor retreats, the 70's Dance, beach trips, slip-n-slides and so much more! You will get to make your own memories with new people this year and it is something to look forward to and enjoy every minute of!

I look forward to meeting you all and talking to you about the place I love. Yea GFU! Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you in August!

God Bless,
Brittany

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Stacie Laughlin

2009-07-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

HEY FIRST YEAR STUDENTS!

My name is Stacie Laughlin and I am going to be a junior here at George fox. I love God with my whole heart. I would not be the person that I am today without him in my life. I love my life. It’s the best and would not be the same without George Fox. It has become such a huge part of my life. I love Taco Bell. I can be found in the drive through most nights getting a bean burrito with no onions and extra sauce though the new chicken soft tacos are becoming my new favorite. I love my camera and pictures. I think I have just about 6000 now on Facebook alone. I love Weddings. My major is Organizational Communications with a Cinema and Media Communications minor and with that I hope to become a Wedding Planner. The first wedding on the list? MINE! And last but certainly not least, I love The Twilight books. Just this last weekend I dragged the boyfriend up to St. Helen's to take pictures of all the places that Twilight was filmed!

Orientation week I formed life long relationships. My friends here at fox have become my second family. We eat together, live together, go to games together, cry together, laugh together, fight together and do absolutely nothing together. Let me tell you right now that though you think you are already counting the days till next summer. I am dreading them! It just means another four months spent away from my second family. I came to fox knowing 5 people and by the end of my freshman year I knew hundreds. Going into my junior year i realize that I probably know pretty much everyone on campus now except all you new first year students! Hence the Orientation Committee Member title that I now obtain! Good Luck to you all and I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you! Only a month and a half left!

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Jodi Lund

2009-07-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! I hope your summer is going fabulously! I hope you are all getting excited to come to Fox soon!

To introduce myself, my name is Jodi Lund. I am a Business Administration major, with a concentration in International Business, and I'm going to be a sophomore this year at Fox! I'm from a small town in Idaho, where I live on my family's dairy with a lot of cows.

I'm so excited that you have chosen to come to Fox this year!!! Fox is a great place to learn, grow spiritually, and have a blast with new friends! Here are some words of wisdom I hope will help you as you get ready to come to Fox for your first semester! First, girls, don't pack your whole closet when you come to campus. Closet space is limited, and so is space in general, pack what you need and don't go overboard! If you forget something when you come, you can always ask someone on your floor if you can borrow it! Trust me, you don't need everything you think you do. Second, don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. It scary coming in and not knowing a soul on campus, but if you go out and make new friends your first semester at Fox will be a lot more fun with all the new friends you have! Third, make sure you come to Orientation with plenty of sleep because you will be having way to much fun to sleep during the weekend! Finally, know what buildings your classes are in for the first day of school Monday. You do not want to get lost and be late to your first class of the semester!

I hope the rest of your summer is amazing!! I can't wait to meet you all!

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Kami Kuhn

2009-06-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hi incoming students! I am so excited to meet you all in August! It can't come fast enough for me! I'm Kami Kuhn I'm from Keizer, OR (next to Salem), and I will be a Junior in the fall. My major is Foods and Nutrition in Business, and on campus I am involved in the GFU symphonic band and cheerleading. I hope you are as excited for orientation as me, because orientation was probably the best few days of my life! During those days I met some people who would become my dearest friends and finally became an independent adult leaving my parents for the first time! We have so many fun activities in store for you to help you get to know Fox and get to know each other! Yipee! See you soon!
~Kami

Hear from the Orientation Staff - Sara Kelm

2009-06-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! I'm Sara Kelm, and I'm on the Orientation committee this
year. I'm a Writing/Literature major and Psychology minor from Calgary
(yes, Canada) who has one semester left before graduation and little
idea of what to do next. Being a student of literature, I love to read
and write non-fiction essays. Here are some other things I love: fruit,
So You Think You Can Dance, blogs, Tim-Tams, Switchfoot, documentaries,
pigs, and Papua New Guinea (where I spent three weeks this summer).
I've lived at Fox for the last three years of my life full-time, and I
truly call it home. One of my favorite memories from freshman
Orientation weekend was dancing with my roommate and two guy friends
during the Hoedown. The square dance caller was going way too fast and
we were too far away to hear him, so we just started to make up our own
square dance. Pretty soon, we were laughing so hard we could barely
breathe. Moments like that continued to happen all throughout my
freshman year, moments that were unexpected, hilarious, and ridiculously
fun. Expect to be stretched and challenged during your first year at
Fox, but also expect some amazing and unpredictable moments that you'll
never forget. I think Fox is great, and I hope you will too! Please
find me on Facebook (I'm on there all the time), and feel free to ask
any questions that you think of as you prepare for this fall (i.e. how
big are the dorm rooms, how's the food, should I bring my kayak?). Stay
awesome, folks!

Sara Kelm

2009 Begins!

2009-06-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

A new year, the same great coordinators :)

Michelle and I are back in action this year, ready to create another amazing Orientation Weekend for George Fox. Last year was an exciting year, with a fantastic staff and a boisterous incoming class. These students made a great addition to our campus. It makes me excited to see who all of the new students will be.

Two new things have changed in planning this year. First, we have a new director - Meredith Dougherty! She has worked with us at Fox in the past and is an amazing addition to the Orientation Program. We look forward to her insight and what is to come from working with her his year. The second is that Michelle has a new last name - Bornfleth. I'll let her give the details on that one however...

We officially started planning for Orientation on June 1st. Some of you incoming students may have already attended Genesis in May, where you would have met Michelle. The rest of you will meet the two of us during your Genesis events in June or July. Please come up to us and introduce yourself. We'd love to get to know you by name and face put together :)

Meetings have begun, staff are being contacted, the logo is made and ready. Currently, the Orientation Newsletter that is sent out to incoming students mid-July is about to be created. Current staff and upperclassmen are writing personal articles to you students, hoping to give you some insight as to what we are about here at Fox and what you might expect as you arrive.

We are really looking forward to this new group of students. And everyday Michelle and I work towards making Orientation even better than the last year. Even down to the nitty gritty details like signage and event length. We want to make this the best and smoothest event so you students can simply enjoy the weekend and transition into your new home.

Best of luck during June. Enjoy some sunshine and rest after graduation has been completed for you seniors. A new chapter has begun...

Jessie

Kacey Parks: O-Leader

2008-08-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

So Orientation is getting really close, and I know most of you might be nervous or excited to come to Fox. Or many of you are just wanting summer to last longer. All of those feelings are totally legit, I was feeling like that last year so I know what you are going through.

Anyway, my name is Kacey and I am going to be a sophomore this year. I am living in La Shana and am a Cinema Media and Communication major with an emphasis in Film Studies. Its kinda a lot to say but definitely a fun major. A few things about me: I am super friendly and like meeting new people, it's one of my favorite things. Jesus is my #1 and this last year I have definitely grown closer to him. I love having fun and just doing crazy random things. I love the shows Lost, the office, and heroes along with many others. I love to bake and cook and read, Twilight Series is pretty much awesome. I work in the Library on Campus so if you need a book I can definitely help you check it out. Pretty much I love to laugh so you can probably hear me halfway across the cafeteria. All in all I love hanging out, having fun, and meeting new people.

Some advice for you - Enjoy the rest of your summer, the days only go by so fast. Don't be afraid to take the risk of meeting new people, because believe me everyone is new so they are looking for friends too, so go up and say hi. Don't pack a ridiculous amount of stuff cuz believe me you won't use it. PACK A FAN!!! It is super hot for the first few weeks, you will need one. Go on the mystery bus tour, it was awesome! I am still friends with people I met there! Anyway, I hope you have a good rest of the summer and I can't wait to meet you!

Peace Out ---Kacey

Two Weeks!

2008-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

So the countdown begins ... Orientation begins two weeks from today!! I can't believe how fast this summer has gone by, I feel like it just started. It feels like yesterday that Jessie and I began planning for this awesome weekend for you all. Now we are down to the nitty gritty details of the weekend ... all of the little important things that we have to make sure not to forget. We are very excited for each one of you to make this transition to Fox. We know that your experience here will be life changing (cheesy, but true!); ask your Orientation Leaders or Peer Advisors, they will agree. Fox is a great home =)

Well, here is the latest update from us at the Orientation office: SIGN UP for the MYSTERY BUS TOUR!! You can register online at orientation.georgefox.edu; the link for the registration is on the front page, just click on the big yellow bus! The event costs $20, but includes dinner, transportation, and an activity. It will be on Friday, August 29th from 4:15 pm - 12:30 am.
But seriously, you all should really sign up, it will be the best event of your Orientation Weekend. We know people are excited because in the first 16 hours the registration was available online we had 25 people sign up, YAY! So, go now and SIGN UP!

SEE YOU ALL IN TWO WEEKS!

Elizabeth Halstead: O-leader

2008-08-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome all! I hope that you are all ready for an exciting school year. There are only a few weeks left till summer ends and then a whole new journey starts.

Well, to start off, my name is Elizabeth Halstead. But, I usually go by Liz. I’m from Redmond, Oregon. Go Panthers!! And I try to enjoy everything as much as I can. I grew up in the public school system most of my life. I am an International Studies major with a minor in TESOL. I love music and books. Summer time is when my reading starts. I love to read everything that I can, mostly fiction though. When I said I love music, I really meant it. Everyone in my family plays an instrument. So, I started playing the flute in middle school and piano when I was 5. I am a big fan of anime and manga as well. I will be a Peer Advisor this year so I may have some of you in my First Year Seminar Class. If you are, I hope to get to know all of you real well.

So, I guess you know a little about me. Now comes my snit-bit of advice for your year on campus.
1. Have FUN!!!
I am totally not joking about this. This is the time where you can get to know new people and learn about yourself more. So, have fun while you’re at it. Orientation Weekend itself is going to be a little scary. There are so many people you won’t know and so many things going on. But, take it in and try to enjoy yourself in everything.
2. Be YOURSELF.
This one is true too. Try not to hide yourself. The majority of the people on campus don’t know your past. All they want to know is the real you, and get to know you for who you are. The people at GFU are awesome and everyone from students and staff want to get to know that real you.
3. Place everything on God.
There will be some struggles that you will face on campus and even at home. That’s when you need to pray and just TRUST God. I can personally vouch for this and so do many of my friends.

See you soon.

Maggie Pitcairn: O-Leader

2008-08-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I am so excited that each of you have chosen Fox for this next year! Believe me, I think you'll like it :) And orientation looks like it will be a lot of fun!!

I'm Maggie Pitcairn and I will be a sophomore this year at Fox. I am an Elementary Education major and super excited about it! I want to teach second grade. In my opinion, it is the perfect grade: they aren't old enough to rebel too much and they are still cute, but they know the rules and ways of school better then the Knd kids! My roommate for this next year will be RA of Edward 1 too, so maybe some of you will be in my hall!

Other than that, some more random things about me: I am absolutely in love with Target; my favorite color is pink; I love reading; I worked at Costco this summer and it definitely improved my muscles; and I can talk really really fast when I get excited!

I know some of you may be nervous about coming to Fox. I was too and it was a difficult first year. But you'll figure it out and no matter how hard it is, God has a lot to teach each of you at college.

Can't wait to see everyone in a few weeks!! And don't forget to bring a fan for your dorm rooms...those first few weeks will be awful without it!!

Maggie L. Pitcairn

Jaclyn Cascio: O-Leader

2008-08-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to George Fox! We’re so glad you decided to come!

This new school year is approaching quickly. Almost too quickly. The countdown is in motion and the clock is ticking away the little time of summer that is left. Scary, isn’t it? But, never fear! Starting school is just another adventure! And the best way to enjoy an adventure is to throw yourself into it wholeheartedly! That is my first piece of advice to you, as incoming students. Take each opportunity to learn something new! Jump at every chance to meet new people! No one can know the true joy of new life experiences without actually experiencing them. All the hodge-podge of orientation is overwhelming when you first arrive, but take it all in and try to enjoy. It’s worth it! My second piece of advice: Trust God with EVERYTHING. When you have troubles, hand them over. Believe me! No one is more capable of straightening our lives out than he is.

Now you’re probably wondering who the advice is coming from. My name is Jaclyn Cascio. I’m a senior, majoring in psychology, with a Christian ministries missions minor. I transferred in last year from TVCC as a junior. I hail from Ontario, Oregon – the dry, high-desert, eastern side of the state that this side sometimes forgets about. Sometimes I miss the rocks and sagebrush. This side of Oregon is too wet and green for my taste. But regardless, I LOVE GFU. The atmosphere of the campus and the wonderful people make it all worthwhile.

And the best way to describe myself is to share my current (un)healthy obsessions with you. Please don’t laugh too hard at me. I’m embarrassed at some of them too. :P But perhaps you’ll find that you share some of them as well! They include: LOST, Psych, Jeff Dunham, laughing, Demetri Martin, pranks, old movies and tv shows (We’re talking 1950’s era mostly.), Twilight, graham crackers, creating (or just watching) awkward situations, peanut butter, snowball fights, getting lost, YouTube, pieces of flair, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, Wheel of Time series, Red Skelton, Disney movies, dancing alone in the rain, driving (especially off-roading), Clark Kent, and my timeless obsession: God.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all! Enjoy the summer!

Ashley Bagdon: O-leader

2008-08-04T09:05:00.002-07:00

Hello new friends!

I am so excited to meet all of you and to help you along with your decision in choosing fox! Fox is an amazing college filled with so many opportunities, diverse people, and best of all—the opportunity to get an education with a Christian influence!

So with that said, hello! My name is Ashley Bagdon and I am going into my sophomore year as a Christian Ministries major with a concentration in youth ministry! Youth are my passion and I have been heavily involved in a couple youth groups since I was in high school!

I am from a teeny little town named Athena that is up in Eastern Oregon around Pendleton. The cool thing about Athena, is even though it's a small little hick town with not a lot to do, it's in the middle of two big cities and close to the mountains and the country. And since there is not a lot always to do, you have to use your inner creative self to find fun things to do!

I love worshipping while playing my guitar and singing. I also love horses, America's Next Top Model, my macbook, and weddings.

Once again I would like to say that I'm glad you have chosen fox! I know it's overwhelming and kinda even scary to think that you are starting a new chapter in your life while being away from parents and friends (most of you) and not knowing anyone. The great thing about Fox though is the community. It will not take you long at all to meet someone on your dorm floor, in your classes, or in the quad (for those of you who don't know… the quad is the center of campus that surrounds the clock tower). Plus, all the profs are really helpful and nice and it's easy to build relationships with them! And… don't forget about me! I want to be your friend! So with all of those options, you can't go wrong with finding someone you can relate to and Orientation gives you a good opportunity to make those relationships! I look forward to meeting you and making you feel comfortable and at home as you transition into a new period in your life!

If any of you want to contact me, find me on facebook! Yeah!

Good luck and see you in a few weeks!

Ashley

Jared Whitney: O-leader

2008-08-04T09:05:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the George Fox University family! There are no words to describe how excited I am to get back to George Fox. Just first mention of GFU in the fall and you can’t get me to shut up… so this may be long!

First off my name is Jared Whitney and I am currently an undecided major however am intending on a History major with the hopes of teaching high school or college students someday. My concentration will probably be US History because I have a huge fascination with the origins of how our way of life was constructed and the morals it was built upon. As a teacher I want the Lord to use me to be a light to students who may not otherwise have a teacher they feel that they can trust to be a word of encouragement in an environment that is seldom welcoming.

I can’t say that I have the most experience and can tell you all about what life at Fox is all about, however within the first year I have learned that there is almost no limit to anything that you want to do. I stepped out on a limb last year and ran for freshman class co-president. I ended up snagging the position and it made a lot of the first year highly memorable. Planning events and making sure my fellow classmates (most of whom I was just beginning to meet for the first time) were entertained and taken care of was a huge privilege and honor. I am not my class’s president this year however that does not mean that I don’t intend to not stay involved. This next year I will be a student employee for Chehalem Young Life. Helping students hear about and grow in Jesus Christ sincerely satisfies my soul and I believe that I feel the Lord’s favor in what I do. Along with Young Life, I find myself being with friends and playing the guitar. I’m sadly addicted to coffee and if you ever want to snag some with me, you’re totally welcome!

My ministry, I feel, is never limited and I pray that the Lord will use me to minister to you freshman, transfers and other new students in a way none of us could imagine. I have no doubt that God will use you all to bless me above and beyond what any of us could ever expect. He is an awesome God and is infinitely without limits! God Bless you as you enter in to a brand new chapter in your life and again, welcome to George Fox University. May it be home to you as it has been for me!

Kirstin Hoffmann: O-Committee

2008-08-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hey new George Fox Students,

So you only have a few more weeks before you are officially part of the George Fox Family and I can’t wait. I love meeting new people but I thought I first let you get to know me a little first.

My name is Kirstin Hoffmann and I am finally a senior this year at Fox. I will be graduating with a degree in Chemistry and two concentrations in Biology and Forensics. My life long dream is to work in a forensics lab and if all goes according to plan I hope to be working in the FBI forensics lab. I am originally from Southern California (and for those that know that area I’m from Riverside) but for the past couple of years I’ve pretty much lived in Oregon just spending a few weeks visiting my family…George Fox really is my home away from home.

My major keeps me pretty busy (spending most of my time in labs) but I love taking breaks and participating in all the activities that are at Fox. Some of my favorites that I highly recommend to all of you are: Fall and Spring Retreat, movie on the lawn, midnight breakfast, and well coffee dates are always the best! I also TA for the General Chemistry labs, so maybe I’ll even have some of you in lab.

Other random facts about myself: I love the color pink, I hate snakes and vegetables, and I love Disneyland. I am on the Orientation Committee and I am a peer advisor this semester so I’ll be getting to hang out with a bunch of you as well.

I am sure you all are getting all your dorm gear together (Target is a great place to shop) and for whatever things you forgot or can’t fit in your car…we have the Fred Meyer night run just for Fox Students! Well, there is so much more I could tell you but hopefully I’ll be meeting you in person in just a few short weeks. Enjoy the last few weeks of your summer!

Kirstin

Julie Townsend: O-leader

2008-07-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!

I hope you all are having an awesome summer!! I know I have been. Wow, last summer as a new freshman coming into Fox, I was really scared. I come from Phoenix, Arizona, and I didn't know anyone coming up to school. All I knew was my amazing admissions counselor and a couple people I had met at Genesis.

I went to the same school from Kindergarten all the way through my senior year of high school, so I had never changed schools. College being the first time was very nerve-wracking. My roommate and I had been chatting on facebook and email over the summer, so it was exciting to meet her finally for the first time.

Then Orientation Weekend came!! We drove up the whole 2 days, and finally got to school! The first couple days at school were really exhausting, but SO MUCH FUN!!! I loved Orientation Weekend as a freshman last year, because of Michelle and Sarah, who were the coordinators last year, and all the A-MAZING O Leaders they had last year. It was a great way to make new friends with people of all ages! I loved Orientation so much last year, that I want to be involved in it again this year.

I hope you all have as much fun as I did! I can't wait to meet you! Have a spectacular last month of summer!!!

Stephen Pick: O-leader

2008-07-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

¡Buenos días a todos! (Good day to all) So we’re getting ominously close to the start of the school year and you know what that means… lots of preparations right? And uncertainties, questions, etc… If you are like me, you’re probably checking your Bruindata several times a day just to make sure all your forms are in and everything is taken care of. Do you feel like you want it to just be here already!? Yet at the same time, the thought of heading out of the house is rather daunting, isn’t it?

I remember the summer preceding my freshman year here at Fox. Let’s see, there were all those back and forth emails with my soon-to-be roommate coordinating the details for our living situation: color scheme, furniture arrangement, and of course who would be bringing the all-important mini-fridge! We even discovered that we used the same deodorant! Old Spice! There were also the shopping trips with the parents. Did I really need the extra long sheets? “I can’t remember, Mom, sheets are sheets!” “And why do I need laundry soap? You mean that I’ll have to wash my clothes by… *gasp* …myself?!”

There are a lot of nerves connected with going away to school. You wonder if people will like you, if you’ll do well away from home, or if you’ll enjoy your roommate and your classes. I encourage you to do your best to relax. Everyone else you’ll be meeting is either feeling those same things or remembers them from just a few years ago. So jump in and embrace meeting new people.

And one more thing... Many of you will be coming to Fox knowing absolutely no one, or at most only a handful of people. View this fact as a perfect opportunity to start over. Think about who you are now, and who you want to be. What kind of a friend do you want to be to the new people you will be meeting? How do you really want others to see you? What character traits and qualities do you wish were a bigger part of who you are? No one knows you; you have no history with the people you’ll be meeting. You have a clean slate. So take the chance to make the changes in yourself that you’ve always wanted to make. Fill that slate with the new and improved you! There’s no better time than now.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all this year!

Stephen Pick

p.s. We didn’t share deodorant, in case anyone was wondering.

Jessica Pryor: O-leader

2008-07-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

My name is Jessica Pryor and I’m going to be a sophomore majoring in Athletic Training. After college I hope to become a physical therapist. This next year I am living in Coffin, but my home is in Beaverton, OR.

Being at Fox has been such a great experience for me. I have met so many amazing people that have helped me grow stronger in my relationship with God. I love spending time in God’s creation…one of my favorite places is Multnomah Falls. Anything outside makes me such a happy person.

My family is a huge part of my life! I have four younger siblings; three brothers and a sister. My parents are wonderful people who truly desire to please God and their children!

I’ve spent most of this summer working my three jobs. I am a life guard at the local YMCA, work at a grocery store in the deli, and work for my Dad at his work. Other than working, I love to run and workout (so if anyone needs some running courses in Newberg, let me know!). I also love hanging out with friends and getting to know what other people are all about.

Hope you guys are all having an awesome summer (enjoy it while you can!). See you in a month!

Jessica

Mollie Honan: O-leader

2008-07-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Orientation Peeps,

Let me begin by clearing up the general information about myself:
My name is Mollie Honan. I am a senior writing and literature major from Carbondale, Colorado. At Fox, I work in the library, run hurdles on the track team and watch TV shows (Scrubs being my all time favorite).

Now I am sure that you must have an abundance of questions based on those very interesting facts. Allow me to use my major to enlighten you. My name is Irish in origin and spelling, but no Saint Patrick's Day is not my favorite holiday although I do like the color green. Still with me? Good. There is a fish kind also named Mollie like Trout or Salmon. Kind of a cool fact.

I chose Writing and Literature because I like books. A lot. Ok, fine - books and I are pretty much an item but don't tell chocolate about us because it will get jealous. When I grow up, I want to be a librarian. I even have glasses now which makes me a qualified candidate for the job. During the school year I work at the campus library so if you have any questions about where to find that one book, just ask. I am currently reading a science fiction by Dan Simmons after which I will probably read Eclipse (who could resist a vampire love story? not me) followed quickly by the sixth installment of Anne of Green Gables. However, who knows what literary enticements might ensnare me.

Next year I am living in an on campus apartment. I am very excited to have my own kitchen to experiment with and my own living room to watch movies. I spent the last three years living in dorms and while they are fantastic and a great time to build community, I am ready to practice social independence.

While I could go on for quite some time about my interesting and highly entertaining life, I will wait to continue this conversation in person when I see you all at Orientation. If, however, you simply can not wait another month to talk to me you can always find me on facebook. Good luck with all your college preparations.

Mollie

Sarah Tremayne: O-leader

2008-07-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hey all! My name is Sarah Tremayne and I am a sophomore Cinema and Media Communications major and plan on becoming a film editor when I "grow up".

I have lived my entire life in Everett, WA; a city about 30 minutes north of Seattle.

I absolutely LOVE being from Seattle. In a short drive you can get city, country, mountains, water, etc…I know Portland is kinda the same but Seattle's just better. :)

I love going to concerts or just listening to a few friends play some original songs. I’m mostly into indie/acoustic/punk/alternative but occasionally like to indulge into some Kanye West, Chris Brown or even the Jonas Brothers (I know…)

I work at an amazing coffee shop with some incredible people; I definitely appreciate a good white chocolate mocha and am a very generous tipper since I know what it’s like to receive them!

I am an Everett Silvertips (minor league hockey) fan and I am pretty sure I am the only one in the George Fox/Portland area.

My favorite TV shows are Project Runway; House, MD; The O.C.; Will & Grace; The Colbert Report; Everwood and am just starting to get into The Office.

I love the Little Mermaid and coincidently my roommate and I were both huge fans; in fact we both had Ariel bed sets!

I think one of the first things you will learn from being at Fox (besides the location and hours of every coffee shop in town) is the idea of community. It kinda shocked me since my high school was larger then Fox and had such a huge array of different cultures and religions. But there is something comforting about having great relationships with peers, professors and faculty. We laugh, cry, celebrate and stress together. We all play our own unique role at Fox and you will definitely be able to find your place.

Enjoy the rest of your summer—Orientation is quickly approaching!

Rebecca Whitley: O-leader

2008-07-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hey, I’m Rebecca, and this will be my third year at Orientation (my second as a leader). I’m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing old friends as the school year begins.

When I came to college, I was a shy and quiet person. Up to that point, I’d spent my entire life in the same places around the same people. And then I moved over 400 miles away from it all. It has definitely been a learning/growing experience!

One of the important things I learned during the first few months here was not to be afraid of asking questions and to realize that I don’t have all the answers. Another thing I learned is that I could survive (to an extent) without a car. There’s a lot on campus: sports, concerts, plays, art shows, random late night activities. And off campus, there are many places to drink coffee, interesting stores, and community events.

My freshman year, I started working at Friendsview Retirement Center, which is right across the street from campus. I quickly discovered that there are many incredible people living there, all with stories to tell.

For me, college has been a giant combination of laughter, frustration, friendships, tears, tests (and not just the paper kind you get in class), silly moments, awkward moments, facebook, fun, and many late nights. I have to say that the most important thing I’ve begun to learn is how to seek and trust God through it all – to let Him be the center and focus above all the studying, whispering, deadlines, occasional sleeping, and adventures. Because unlike my constantly changing life, His steadfast love for us stays the same. Always.

Bryan Martz: O-leader

2008-07-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hey! What’s going on everyone? I hope you’re doing awesome! Well my name is Bryan Martz and I get the great pleasure of being one of your many O-leaders. I am going to be Junior in the fall at George Fox. I’m an accounting major and after college I plan on going to Law School. Little side note about the whole major thing -- I have changed my major 6 times in two years; you could say I’m a little indecisive. But I think I finally found one. Maybe…

Anyway, I was born and raised in California in a really small town called Cottonwood, where the horses and cows outnumber the people. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I love baseball and I am lucky enough to get to play at George Fox. I am a huge Yankee fan and you can either love me for it or hate me for it, your choice. Florida is my second home. Riding my mountain bike and road bike are two of my favorite hobbies. I love music, all kinds of music. I play the guitar, ok well I try to play the guitar but I’m working on that. I love having fun and making people laugh. And I love the beach.

I am excited for orientation week it’s going to be a blast. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you better. I hope you all have a great rest of the summer and that your getting excited for school, I promise you it’s going to be a blast. Well, see y’all later.

Brittany Miller: O-Committee

2008-07-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello new GFU Students! I wanted to share a little bit about me…

Next year I will be a Junior Elementary Education major. I was involved in orientation last year as an Orientation Leader. This year I will be a part of the Orientation Committee and I can’t wait!

God, my family and friends are the three most important aspects of my life. I couldn’t live without those pieces.

I live with my parents and two younger sisters. One is about to start her Freshman year of college, just as many of you are. My other little sister is starting middle school. I’m excited for them.

Another huge part of my life is a camp called Tall Timber Ranch. I grew up going to that camp and have worked there the past few summers. My experiences there have really shaped who I am.

Some of my favorite…
- TV Shows: LOST, The Office, Arrested Development, Grey’s Anatomy, and Private Practice.
- Artists: Shane and Shane, Relient K, David Crowder Band, Switchfoot, Phil Wickham.
- Movies: 50 First Dates, Wedding Crashers and Elf.

Random Facts:
- I work as a teacher at a daycare right now where I’m called “Miss Brittany.” It is a lot of fun and a great experience.
- I was the Little Bruin Coordinator last year and will be again this year. (It’s a mentoring program and you all should be involved in it!)
- I love: Dance Parties, being adventurous, chocolate, mission trips, making lists, coloring, singing in my car, wearing sweatshirts and so much more!

I’m very outgoing and love to help people. I look forward to meeting you all and talking to you about the place I love. Yea GFU! Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you in August!

God Bless,
Brittany

Orientation Update + SYTYCD

2008-07-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Orientation continues to be put together by my partner in crime (Michelle) and me. We're excited with how things are coming together fast and can't wait for Orientation weekend. It feels far away but it's coming up fast. Mystery Bus Tour is looking great! But don't ask...I can't tell you anything! Just be excited :)

***

Ok - So You Think You Can Dance comments...

I'm sooooo sad that Gev got kicked off last week. He definitely was my favorite though I know he wasn't the best dancer on the show. Sigh.

Happy to say that Jessica is gone but shocked that Kherington got the boot. She was definitely being carried along by Twitch. Top 10 - anything can happen.

Top 6 - obviously Mark and Comfort are next to go - but not sure about the Top 4. I'm not ready for any one else to leave. I would have to say that I wouldn't mind Josh leaving, I'm less attached to him. Maybe Courtney too. Hmmmm....we'll have to wait and see.

***

Alright - that's all for now. Back to Orientation things. More of your Orientation staff members will have bios up soon. Be sure to read those and get to know your O-leaders and O-committee members. They are excited to hear from you if you'd like to comment or feel free to contact Michelle or myself and we can get you into contact with them. We should be placing students into groups soon and letting O-leaders know who is with who. New students, you will most likely be contacted by your Orientation leaders at the beginning of August to get to know them a little before you arrive August 28th!

We're super excited - just a little over a month until the Staff arrives and then it will be a fast track until school begins!! Let us know if you have any questions and be sure to check out the website for more info.

Best wishes and enjoy some sunshine!

Jessie Sarver
New Student Orientation Co-coordinator

Sara Kelm: O-leader

2008-07-17T09:14:00.001-07:00

Hey-o. I’m Sara Kelm, and I’m another one of those awesome Peer Advisors/ Orientation leaders who can’t contain her excitement about you all coming to Fox.

Tidbits about me:
Where I’m from…well, I went to high school in Vancouver, WA, but during my freshman year of college, my family moved to Calgary, Alberta. CANADA. So I guess Newberg is most like home for me.
I have a younger brother and sister who ROCK. And a boxer named Gracie. Who rocks almost as much.
I’ll be a Junior this year, studying Writing/Literature and Psychology. In my mind, they’re really the same thing—how people think and what they think. I read A LOT.
I’m working up in Student Life this summer. I make lots of bulletin boards. And make fun of administrators.
During school, I work at the Academic Resource Center (ARC). You can receive help with papers or other classes, and have an all-around great time.
I’m pretty quiet and socially awkward until you get to know me. Then I’m rad.
Journaling is almost vital to my life.
I don’t drink coffee, but I love coffee shops.
I really really love libraries. They’re genius.
Stage managing is my hobby (I enjoy being in control of the actors--HA!). Musicals are my favorite.
I love classic movies (Paul Newman = <3) and foreign films.
I really like the internet: blogs, Facebook (look me up!), Skype, webcams, youtube.
I listen to Switchfoot; Jon Foreman’s lyrics get me in a place little else does.
I also watch TV: So You Think You Can Dance (dance, dance) rules my summer.
I’m kind of strange. But I have a few close friends that love me, so that is lucky.
I don’t know what I want to do with my life. But I’m doing my best to hang in there with my Saviour and let Him take me where I’m supposed to go.

Soon-to-be friends, I hope you enjoy the rest of your summers and are preparing yourselves (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually) to come to Fox. Your first year at Fox will be a challenge; embrace it. Let God lead you toward the person He desires you to be.

Welcome to the random world of SaraKelm. :) I hope we become friends soon! Any questions, PLEASE come find me; I’ll be on Facebook. See you soon-ish!

Stacie Laughlin: O-leader

2008-07-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

HEY THERE!
My name is Stacie Laughlin and I am going to be a sophomore here at George fox.
I love…
· God with my whole heart. I would not be the person that I am today without him in my life.
· Taco Bell. I can be found in the drive through most nights getting a bean burrito with no onions and extra sauce.
· T.V. My Monday nights are dedicated to One Tree Hill, Prison Break and Gossip Girl.
· My camera and pictures. I think I have over 3000 on Facebook alone.
· Weddings and Writing. I am double majoring in Cinema and Media Communications and Organizational Communications. I hope to become a Wedding Planner or a journalist.
· Forever 21. A weekly ritual I have here at fox. The money I have spent there could have easily paid for a year of textbooks!
· Sunglasses. If you get in my car, I have about 12 pairs in there alone.
· High School Musical. My dorm room last year had Zac Efron posters everywhere.
· My family and friends. They make up a huge chunk of my life.

Over Orientation week I formed life long relationships. My friends here at fox have become my second family. We eat together, live together, go to games together, cry together, laugh together, fight together and do absolutely nothing together. I don’t think I can ever forget even one moment of my freshman year at fox, the half hour drives to The Way (the best church in Beaverton), Rushing to Taco Bell at 1:50 just to get there before they closed at 2, Bonfires at the beach, making milkshakes at the bon, and celebrating birthdays at the Cheesecake Factory. I can’t even remember what my life was like before them. I have never once regretted my decision to attend Fox. Every day spent there was AMAZING!

If I had one word of advice, I would simply say get involved. At fox there is an endless amount of things to do to get involved. There never is a boring moment on campus. This last year, I worked on campus with the foreign exchange students. I loved it. I had never been introduced to another culture before. I also was part of the Cheerleading team here at Fox. It was an opportunity that allowed me to get involved and meet new people.

I became an O-Leader because I wanted to help each and everyone of you. My experience with Orientation was one that I will never forget and I want it to be the same for you. Plus I wanted to do the whole Orientation process all over J

Go enjoy the summer sun while it last because it’s all rain as soon as you get to school! Good Luck to you all and I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you in the next few weeks!

Andrew Griggs: O-leader

2008-07-17T08:50:00.001-07:00

Hey! My name is Andrew Griggs and I am a 4th year student here at George Fox! I am majoring in Business Administration: Management. I am from Athena, Oregon, and yes Eastern Oregon is past The Dalles, contrary to popular belief.

During this summer I am working at the IT Service desk. I have a variety of hobbies which include: Hiking, Fishing, Reading, playing guitar, Video Games, Games, and chilling with friends.

This is my second year helping with orientation and I am excited to meet all of you as you begin the process of becoming your own person and living life!

Life is an adventure, and Fox has become the pivot point for my adventure right now. I pretty much live on campus year round. If you need someone to talk to I am there pretty much 24/7. I do go visit my family occasionally as I miss them. Believe or not...you will too...eventually, I did! :-D

I attend Grace Chapel in Wilsonville and think it is the best church ever! Need a ride? I will help you get there!

Fox is an amazing place with friends and support all around you. I have switched majors 3 times and am amazed at the support of the faculty in helping me find my way to want I want to do with my life.

Dutch bros is the best coffee ever : Large Double Torture blended ice!

New friends are a part of what draws me to this place that we all come to call home.

I hope that I will be able to help you in anyway possible to transition into this new experience! Have an amazing summer and hope to see you soon!

Andrew

Lauren Blas: O-leader

2008-07-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

!Hola nuevos estudiantes (Hello new students!)! My name is Lauren Blas and I am one of the many orientation leaders and peer advisors for this year! This is my first time participating in any of these events and joining the orientation crew! Allow me to tell you a little more about myself.
I will be a senior this fall and am majoring in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Interior Design and getting a minor in Spanish.
I am from Gig Harbor, WA (which is south of Tacoma, for those of you who don’t know where it is located geographically).
I have a younger sister, named Alyssa and she is going to be 16 in November, and loves to dance with all of the passion in her heart.
I love to travel and over the years have been to a few amazing places (ask me if you want to know where I have been)
My most favorite hobby (besides shopping) is singing, if I am not listening to something, I am singing a song in my head. I also love to knit and cook! My favorite dishes to cook are desserts (and I make the best apple pie in the world)!
I am working two jobs this summer in order to make money for tuition and books. I work at Ann Taylor Loft (a women’s clothing store) and have been working there for a year, and during school, I work at the one at Bridgeport Village in Tigard. My second job is at my church and I am the Children Ministries Intern. As of now, I am helping with our church’s annual VBS, planning events for the little kids, and planning the lessons for Sunday school.
I am very excited to get to know some of you this next year and I can’t wait to meet you! I hope that your summers are going well and I can’t wait to hear your stories! Stay safe and I will see you all in September!

Danielle Baker: O-leader

2008-07-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! My name is Danielle Baker and I am a Sophomore majoring in Youth and Missions and Psychology.
I am from Silverton, OR but was born in the desert of California and Arizona.
This summer I am hanging out in Newberg living with an amazing family and their two adorable kids.
I love to meet new people and hang out with them and hear their story over a good cup of coffee or Pumpkin Pie Chai.
If you ever want to find me and I am not in my room or in classes, I am most likely at Chapters.
I love to laugh.
I seriously wish that life was a musical and we could burst out in song and dance whenever we felt the need to!
I love my Mac Book and I love taking pictures on Photo booth.
I love God with everything in me and strive everyday to live for him.
Fox has become my second home and I love it here. God has placed me and you in an amazing place to grow and be challenged to not stay the same.
I love Gilmore Girls, 24, The Hills (guilty pleasure), and Phineas and Pherb (Best show EVER)
Pretty much I am laid back and excited to get to know some of you and help you get to know what Fox is all about.

My advice to you is get involved not only on campus, but around Newberg. Find a church that you connect with and serve in some way there. It may seem like a lot at first, but I think it is so important to have connections with people outside of Fox as well. The church body in Newberg has an amazing heart for service and there are ways all over to get involved.
Well I hope to get to know you and hope you have an amazing first year and Orientation weekend. We are so excited for you to get here. YEAHHHH FOR ORIENTATION!!!!

Introducing....your Orientation Staff!!

2008-07-14T08:48:00.001-07:00

Orientation planning continues...

Genesis is officially over. Almost all of the new students have registered for classes and are preparing to come to Fox in the fall. That means there is work to be done! Soon Michelle and I will be placing students into groups for Orientation, placing them with their Orientation leaders and possibly one of their First Year Seminar Peer Advisors. If you are a new student, within the next few weeks you should be contacted by your leaders as they introduce themselves to you, get to know a little bit about you, and make themselves avaible to answer any questions you may have before venturing to campus.

The Orientation Newsletter has been finalized and will be in print this week. In the newsletter you will find articles from Michelle and myself, as well as the Orientation Director (Joel Perez), the Serve Day Coordinator (Kayin Griffith), your Orienation Committee, a current George Fox Parent and a George Fox Alum. Each person has written an article to provide you with important information as you prepare to come to Fox. Read each article and then pass it along to your parents so they have the information as well. Michelle and I will be sending that out to all of you at the beginning of next week, so be looking in your mailboxes for those soon.

Things are warming up here in the Berg. We've officially gone at least five days without any rain, crazy! However, the quad looks beautiful with the flower pots blooming and the trees full of life. This weather makes me excited for the first few weeks of school as the quad becomes alive again with students. Not that I'm ready for school quite yet, but there are a few things that I miss.

I haven't watched So You Think You Can Dance in two weeks...so I have no updates or comments currently. Check back for those.

Well, seeing as how the blog currently consists of only Michelle and I's writing, we decided that it would be a good idea to give some others a chance for you to get to know them. We have asked the Orientation Leaders and Orientation Committee to write a little bit about themselves for the blog, helping you get to know them more and be familiar with the people that will be here to greet you when you arrive in August. We will be posting from a few new people every few days or so. Keep checking back and reading what the Orientation staff has to say to you!

More updates to come. We hope that this blog has been a good resource for you. Let us know if you have any questions we can answer!

With love and smiles --

Jessie Sarver
Junior Orientation Co-coordinator
jsarver05@georgefox.edu

Beyond the Books~

2008-06-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Academia - the wonderful world of college. We are told as high schoolers that college is all about academic success, full of studying and hard work. The doorway into your future. Though this is definitely part of the package, your college career is more than simply earning a degree. It's so much more than that.

It's about development. It's about finding out who you are as an individual. It's about knowing what your purpose is and running with your passions. It's about molding you to be the person you want to be. It's about life.

For me, it's also about relationships. If I have learned anything at all during my time here at Fox, it's that relationships are everything. Now, these aren't relationships strictly in the romantic sense, but they are relationships with friends, co-workers, faculty, staff, classmates, and most importantly, Jesus Christ.

During the beginning of my college career, I spent most of my time with my head in my books. I studied hard and earned good grades but felt like there was some part of my experience that I was missing. The more time that I have spent here, I have learned that being social and getting to know people is just as important as succeeding in the classroom. I've learned how important it is to me to spend time with the ones I love. I want to know more about those I care about -- how they tick, what drives them, what their passions are, how God is working in their lives -- and the only way for me to do that is to spend time with them.

This is one of the last times in our lives that we will be in concentrated area with our peers. Because of that, we have to take advantage of it. People say that the kind of relationships you develop during your college career are nothing like any relationship of your past. I believe that with my whole heart. You get to see people in a raw environment. You enter their living areas and their daily routines, interacting with them by being a part of their lives. The relationships are intimate and real. There's nothing else like it.

It amazes me how fast I can connect with students here at Fox. I can feel like I've known people forever but may have only met them last month. My professors talk to me like I'm a friend that they care about. The RA's give so much of themselves to the residents in their halls. Faculty members know my name, listen to my stories, and love me for simply being a student here. The connections are deeper and stronger. They are vulnerable but lasting.

Now how does this relate to Orientation? Orientation weekend is the first opportunity for you to meet new people and create new relationships. Some of the people you will meet in this first weekend could turn out to be some of your best friends. I met three of my best friends in my First Year Seminar class and many others during the activities of Orientation weekend. I cherish these relationships just as much as I benefit from the academic life of Fox. These relationships have molded me and changed me. And I remember where these relationships started: the beginning.

Take some time during your Orientation experience to branch out and meet new people. Get to know the people that you might never haved talked to in high school or would have passed by on the street. You never know how these new people will impact your life.

-- Jessie Sarver--
Junior Orientation Co-Coordinator

For the LOVE of Coffee!

2008-06-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

For most of my life up until a few years ago I (Michelle) really disliked coffee. Any aspect of it would turn me away ... the smell, taste, texture. I especially hated anything that was coffee flavored, ice cream, candy, etc. My mom and sister are avid coffee drinkers and they unsuccessfully attempted many times to get me to cross over. I always insisted that I would never in my life become a coffee drinker. Well ..... that was before college.

The summer before my freshman year I was brave enough to begin drinking extra sugary Frappuccinos from Starbucks. These became my signature drink and they were much needed during the warm summer in Arizona. I felt pretty cool as a recent high school grad with my Starbucks drink in hand. My freshman year at Fox opened many doors to events that included coffee. It is the Northwest, there has to be a coffee shop on every corner!
I was still fairly slow with my entrance into the world of lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos; however, I no longer turned up my nose to the mention of the black caffeinated drink. My drinks continued to include extra amounts of chocolate and sugar; just enough that the coffee was difficult to taste, but a good amount so I could get the caffeine I needed. It wasn't until my Sophomore year that "coffee" began to take on new meaning for my everyday college life.

I realized that in order to get through my 7:40 class two times a week ..... I needed a coffee pot in my room.
In order to be successful in the classes immediately following lunch ..... I would need that shot of caffeine.
If I wanted to stay up late writing a long paper or studying for mid-terms ... I went for the coffee.
As you can see coffee has been helpful during those late nights and early mornings .... however, my love for coffee isn't just because of it's ability to keep me awake.

For the LOVE of coffee -- My sister and I met for two years every Thursday morning at 7:00 am to bond, have good conversation, and love on one another through a difficult period of our lives.
For the LOVE of coffee -- My two good friends and I would catch up on each others lives at our favorite coffee shop.
For the LOVE of coffee -- I have had profound conversations with professors who care about my college experience ... not just the academic part.
For the LOVE of coffee -- I've had the opportunity to invest in others and share my "life story."

This blog isn't necessarily about loving coffee or not loving it. Rather, it's about the memories and conversations I've had over the last three years that have molded me to be the person I am today ...... the coffee cup has simply been a witness to these experiences.

I hope that as you begin your transition to Fox, you find your "LOVE of coffee," something that can encourage laughter, growth, relationships, and make your "cup" your own.

- MICHELLE GALE
Senior Orientation Co-Coordinator

We've moved :)

2008-06-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

So Michelle and I had a big day today - we moved to the other side of the office :)

The Stevens Center is going through some major changes by moving around the offices on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Apparently, we were in need of some new scenery. So the Student Life office has been moved to the other side of the 3rd floor as we make way for President Baker to move in next to us. We like the new space. There's a lot more room, more connection to the rest of the Student Life staff and now I get to look out a window rather than at the blank wall. I'm happy.

We've been spending the last few days doing a lot of brainstorming to make Orientation even better than before. I have to say, brainstorming really is a storm in the brain. I never thought I'd have my head hurt from trying to come up with ideas! Crazy! But, it's all worth it in the end of course.

Since Michelle told you a little about herself. I thought that I would join the party~

My name is Jessie Sarver and I am a Junior nursing major with a music theatre minor.
I was born and raised in Medford, OR, never to move until my first days at Fox.
I spend most of my time this summer with friends from Fox, in and around the Newberg/Portland/Vancouver area.
I love to sing, dance and act - the triple threat you might say...ha!
Last year I was part of the University Players :)
I have four cats at home and I wish that we were allowed furry friends at school.
I love coffee that has chocolate or lots of sugar. I'm a caffeine lover.
I'm obsessed with One Tree Hill, House, 24, and So You Think You Can Dance. I also like The Office too.
I'm excited to graduate and do some serious traveling, mostly around Europe.
Mainly, I love to have fun. I'm loud and crazy and love to laugh. You'll see plenty of me jumping around at Orientation.

There are a few big things in the works that Michelle and I are really excited about. The schedule is now completely up to date as far as we know. As we make more changes, be sure to check it out on the website. I've been working on the website a bit, trying to make things a bit more aesthetically pleasing and beautiful for you all as well as informative. That's what the job's all about, right?? Be sure to keep an eye out for newly taken photos of Michelle and I, your Orientation Coordinators.

Does anyone have any ideas for the weekend? We love to have suggestions of things that students would like to have happen, since we're still in the preliminary stages. Let us know! Leave a message anytime.

Oh, BTW, So You Think You Can Dance is on tonight! The first week of the actual competition. I hope you're all as excited as I am!!

Hope summer is going well. I'll be back on the blog soon. Until then, happy days!

The Second Week of June =)

2008-06-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

My name is Michelle and I am one of the Orientation Coordinators working this summer to plan an awesome weekend for you all! This is my second year in this role so I am pretty excited about getting to experience orientation again.

You are probably wondering a little bit about who I am, so let me tell you!
I will be a senior this fall and am majoring in Sociology and minoring in Psychology and Business.
I am from Flagstaff, AZ, but originally grew up in Western Washington.
I have a boyfriend who I have been dating for almost 4 1/2 years
I am the youngest of three children - I have a brother who is 23 and a sister who is 26.
I love spending time with my family
I recently got back from a four week trip in Europe - I went to five countries (Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland); it was amazing!!
I love to drink coffee and read books
I enjoy spending time outside and being active
I'm a pretty big fan of Gilmore Girls, Friends, and Lost

Jessie and I have been working in the Orientation office for almost a week and a half. We had a great first week working on finalizing the weekend's schedule and making initial contacts with everyone that contributes to Orientation. We are pretty confident that Orientation 2008 will be one of the best!!
We are still working on the details for the Mystery Bus Tour, but once registration is up online we will let you know.

Don't Forget ... Orientation begins Thursday, August 28th!!!

This is only the beginning...

2008-05-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

Yay! We've officially started the GFU Orientation Blog! Now this is something a little different for the Orientation staff but we think its a good way to keep everyone updated as the summer goes along. Right now, it's just me, Jessie, and Joel, our director, working in the office. I'm starting work on things for the First Year Seminar classes while Michelle is still off in Europe. I'm certainly the jealous one right about now. However, she'll be back in a little over two weeks and we'll have plenty to get working on. I'm excited for that part :)

As more things come together, we'll update on here. Also, we might just write a little something on here for fun. Michelle and I will have plenty of time in the office so we'll see how much fun we can have ;)

And if anyone watches So You Think You Can Dance...the premiere for the season was last night. I'm a huge fan and will probably be posting my updates about the show as well.

Well, I guess its back to work for now. Friday is here and the weekend is near. But until 8 hours from now, I'll be working to make something great for all of you. Happy Friday~