MANSFIELD, PA—Twenty-four incoming students learned about leadership and the Mansfield Creed (character, scholarship, culture, and service) before ever taking a class at MU by taking part in the 101st First Year Student Adventure last week.
With student team leaders Emily Torres, Josh Braun, Shayna Flint, Devin MacGeorge, Olga Bilardi and Alexandra Timins showing the way, 101st participants took part in several team building exercises and bonding experiences.
When they arrived on campus last Tuesday, Kelchner Fitness Center (KFC) Director Amy DeLozier, Assistant Director Mike Stamp and the KFC staff led the new students on the ropes courses on campus. The group took part in team building exercises and fun activities later that evening
On Wednesday, the 101st headed to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to assist the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources repair flooded trails at Colton Point State Park. They also had the opportunity to tour Leonard Harrison State Park at the Grand Canyon.
Following their service project, the 101st returned to campus for a presentation on the Mansfield Creed by Dean of Students Frank Crofchick, who originated the 101st program, and to participate in an upperclassman panel with the team leaders to ask any questions they have about college life and Mansfield.
Thursday, the participants volunteered to assist the Residence Life staff and others in helping their fellow new students move into their residence halls.
“I am so proud of this year’s 101st participants and have no doubt they will have a positive impact on their fellow students and the community here at Mansfield,” Crofchick said. “The key to the success of this program is our team leaders who define what a role model and a Mountie should be.”
The incoming students who participated are Cleora Minnich, Cody McUmber, Sneha Sargunam, Jenna Zawisza, Kelsey Seymour, Taylor Bennett, Julia Ngure, Alyssa Geary, Leah Strain, Adam Zabretsky, Jake Manke, Ashley Wattles, Cassandra Sanders, Lock Holmes, Conner Lawson Brittney Atkins, Jessica Nistad, Rebekah Rocha, Stephen Lowther, Gaven Dannecker, Hailey Vanzile and Cassandra Cooper.
The program is in its fourth year. The name, 101st, is based on Company B, 101st Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, who fought in the Civil War. The soldiers were from Mansfield and the surrounding area and were later known as the Tioga Mountaineers.
MU’s mascot and nickname, Mountaineers, honors the same Regiment.
For more information on community and volunteer services at MU, go to mansfield.edu/community-service2