New opportunity given to class of 2016

The $7,000 wooden “window of opportunity” is on display in the Student Union as a commemorative gift to the class of 2016. Photo by Kate DeSalvo

The Offices of Orientation and First Year Programs, Housing and Residence Life and Student Affairs purchased a wooden “window of opportunity” this summer to display in the Student Union as a gift to the class of 2016.

The purpose of the $7,000 window is to create a tradition that will continue with each incoming class. Freshmen were encouraged to tie ribbons on the window in a ceremony during orientation week after writing down the opportunities they wish to pursue during their time as Chapman students, said Jerry Price, vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students.

Freshman undeclared major Abraham Mendoza participated in the ribbon tying ceremony.

“It made me feel like Chapman was the right choice for me,” Mendoza said. “The sense of community and unity that brought the students together was an amazing experience.”

Price gave the five orientation coordinators the chance to come up with an idea for a new tradition. Those five are: senior public relations and advertising major Emily Voogt, junior vocal performance major Dan Fister, senior graphic design major Haley O’Brien, junior English and political science major Bobby Konoske and junior business major Deryn Russell.

Voogt said the window was meant to be a tradition for the students by students, which is something Chapman lacks.

“It was an experiment but I am happy how it turned out,” Fister said.

Piyush Choubey, a freshman business administration major, also participated in the activity.

“It was really special since I am an international student and I have never experienced anything like this in India,” Choubey said.

Price said a more inexpensive version of the window could have easily been constructed. However, an artist was hired to make the entire piece a puzzle. The four pieces of the puzzle are the four pillars at Chapman: the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual pillars.

If new windows are created for each incoming class, the structure would remain the same but different woods would be used to make it distinguishable, Price said.

Price plans to keep the window on display in the Student Union for either a month or the full semester, put it in storage and bring it back out for the class of 2016’s commencement ceremony.

Price said he realizes purchasing a new window each year along with storage costs may become expensive, so he may recommend removing the class of 2016’s ribbons so each subsequent class can tie their own ribbons on the window during orientation. Students would be able to re-tie their ribbons during their commencement ceremonies.