37,362

37,362.

That’s how many miles we traveled this summer to attend New Student Receptions, which are the welcome receptions for new students and parents to meet each other before the start of school.  No, the Parent Programs staff did not go to all 31 ourselves; we relied on our colleagues to help us cover all the territories.

We held 31 New Student Receptions in cities all over the country, primarily east of the Mississippi River.  And while we did not travel to the following places, we also helped facilitate introductions to students in London, England; Charleston, SC; St. Louis, MO; and the eastern part of NC.

Of the 1,232 new students in the Class of 2017, 432 of them registered to attend a New Student Reception.  We also had 18 administrators attend, and 40 alumni and current students.  (Keep in mind these were just the folks who registered – we also had current students and parents who were recruited by individual reception hosts who likely did not register officially.)

We want to say a huge thank you to our host families, who did incredibly good jobs welcoming our newest Deacs in true Wake Forest style.  There was some extremely imaginative WFU-themed catering, decorations, and lots of black and gold clothing.  Our host families get an A+ in hospitality.

We also want to say how grateful we are to the current students, current parents, and alumni who attended.  Your perspective on the Wake Forest experience is incredibly valuable to our newest Deacs and their families.

Finally, to the Class of 2017 and your families – we want to say WOW.  You brought your enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to every one of these receptions.  Students, you are so bright and talented and interesting – you will do great things at Wake Forest and beyond.  Parents and family members, we mean it when we say that “Wake Forest doesn’t just accept the students – we accept the parents too!”  You are officially part of the Wake Forest family too – and we are so proud of your students and can’t wait to have them – and all the classmates we have not yet met – here on campus.

It’s been another great summer for the Parent Programs office.  Thanks for being such a special part of our summer.