MANSFIELD, PA— Before ever taking a class at Mansfield University, 25 incoming students learned about leadership and the Mansfield Creed (character, scholarship, culture, and service) by taking part in the 101st First Year Student Adventure last week.
With team Leaders Jake Rubin, Bri Dion and Stephanie Hendricks showing the way, 101st participants took part in several team building exercises and bonding experiences.
When they arrived on campus last Tuesday, the new students took on the ropes courses on campus and the climbing wall at the Kelchner Fitness Center. They also heard presentations from Frank Crofchick, the program’s creator and MU Community Conduct officer and Service coordinator, and Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Chris Bridges, among other activities.
On Wednesday, the 101st headed to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to assist the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in replacing two foot bridges on the trails.
Even though the program official ended Wednesday evening, the participants volunteered to assist their fellow new students move into their residence halls on Thursday.
“I couldn’t be prouder of these students and especially my team leaders with this program,” Crofchick said. “The 101st will continue to build and I am positive that these new students will make an impact, not only at Mansfield University but in the community.”
The program is in its second 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