Bryn Athyn College Alumni Magazine Fall/Winter 2017-18 | Page 27

running header ADMINISTRATION SPOTLIGHT officer , Rev . Thane Glenn , Ph . D . ( AA ’ 92 ), says , “ What has most impressed me about working with Roberta in admissions is that she is undaunted by the charge to bring in greater enrollment , while also being firm about holding to academic standards and mission fit . In a few short years , she has developed a clear sense of what it will take for a student to succeed at Bryn Athyn College and — perhaps more importantly — what it will take for a student to flourish in our spirituallyfocused environment . And she manages to hold the demands of her job with a smile and a chuckle .”
Happily , Roberta looks forward to continuing her work here for years to come . As a woman with a long and winding educational journey behind her , she feels she is able to identify with people who face challenges and barriers and who perhaps doubt themselves . In her own family , she has seen all four of her children go through college and find success and satisfaction in their careers . And with a magical dose of poetic justice , Roberta ’ s youngest , Bridget , attended Princeton for her undergraduate degree ,
beautifully closing the loop on an early challenge and inspiration in Roberta ’ s story . From the moment she voiced her affinity for higher education while looking longingly at Princeton University from her mother ’ s car window , to her current job in higher education , Roberta has managed to keep a steady trajectory of educational and professional progress . She has done so even while raising a family and overcoming gender inequalities in education and in the workforce . In part , overcoming obstacles on a consistent basis has motivated her to support others on their educational paths . She says , “ It ’ s my great delight to help people fulfill their abilities and overcome challenges . I can relate to people ; it ’ s my passion to help them be the best they can be . Without my tough educational journey , I wouldn ’ t have the same empathy for others .” This respect , understanding , and encouragement stands out to students , colleagues , and coworkers . It ’ s something they notice about Roberta right away and a special part of what makes her such a welcome addition to the Bryn Athyn College family .
of first-year students to hear a bit about who they are and why they chose to attend Bryn Athyn College .
Dakota Ulmer
Commerce Township , Michigan
Dakota went to Orchard Lake St . Mary ’ s Prep School in Michigan , which had about 450 students . Because he was used to the small school environment , coming to Bryn Athyn felt like a good fit . He never thought he would go to college out of state ; he had planned to stay in Michigan . However , when he came to campus and saw how beautiful it was , he changed his mind . Dakota says what has most surprised and delighted him is that everyone hangs out with each other . He says , “ There may be social circles , but there is always someone that overlaps in each group . People are kind to each other .”
Myah Phillips
Chester , Pennsylvania
Myah says , “ I came to Bryn Athyn because I thought it had a beautiful campus and I liked that the class sizes were small . Everyone was friendly , and it felt like a comfortable place .” She is a basketball player who has been pleasantly surprised by the fact that students are allowed to play multiple sports at BAC . So far , Myah ’ s favorite thing about being on campus has been getting to meet new people and experiencing things that she would not get to experience at home .
Ben Griffiths
Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania
Ben is a first-year student who transferred from Chatham College . He grew up in the New Church , and his mother hails from Bryn Athyn , so he had often visited the area as a kid . Ben attended summer camp and Tools 4 Life in high school , and decided to come to BAC because he wanted a change . He says , “ I knew there were good people here and that coming to school at BAC would help me learn to be a better me .”
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