SU chapter of the Golden Key National Honor Society, University College host fourth annual Shadow Day

SU chapter of the Golden Key National Honor Society, University College host fourth annual Shadow DayApril 09, 2001Michael Scanlon mfscanlo@syr.edu

The Syracuse University chapter of the Golden Key National Honor Society and Syracuse University Continuing Education/University College will host the fourth annual Syracuse University Shadow Day on April 10.  The Shadow Day program is designed to help children from disadvantaged, urban areas of the Syracuse community appreciate the value of higher education. The program pairs sixth-grade students from Seymour Elementary School with SU students so that the children can experience a “day-in-the-life” of a college student.  Students from Seymour Elementary School will be exposed to academic, athletic and student affairs-oriented activities. They will attend classes, visit the SU Bookstore and a dining hall, and meet professors, students and student-athletes. Additionally, structured workshops stressing the importance of academics, extracurricular activities and community service will be offered as a means of underscoring the value of education and identifying the types of qualities sought by college admissions personnel.  “We could not be more excited to continue to partner with University College to expand this incredibly valuable program,” says Lena Rose Orlando, advisor to the SU chapter of Golden Key and assistant director of special programs in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. “We are especially pleased to have doubled the number of children involved in the program this year. “The program’s success is grounded in the blend of educational programming, hands-on exposure and entertainment. From the welcome at the Chancellor’s residence to the afternoon session with Otto the Orange, the children benefit educationally and recreationally,” says Orlando. Regina Bello, a participating senior public relations major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, echos Orlando’s sentiments. “SU Shadow Day is a great program that brings a much-needed message to at-risk children in our community–that higher education is a realistic and laudable pursuit.” says Bello. “Our goal is inspiration, to help these children to begin to plan for and to visualize higher education as a central part of their future dreams.”