Does the President Really Play Frisbee on the Quad?

One of my favorite conversations with a parent happened recently after an interview I conducted in a hotel.  The family had visited campus the month prior and had an excellent experience.  After I interview with students I always take time to answer parent’s questions (if they have any).  The father of this student was very impressed with the campus, especially the attitude of the students and staff.

When you enter campus, the first stop you often make is at the parking booth.  The gentleman who is often the first to greet you is named Ken.  Ken is one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.  Families often comment on their experience at the University being pleasantly started after their interaction with Ken.  He sets the tone for the rest of your visit.

This father I was speaking with also commented on Ken.  However, not unlike the experience of most to visit campus, the father was struck at how kind the students were.  Apparently they had some time to kill before their information session and took it upon themselves to walk around the academic quad.  There is a new sculpture on campus of George Eastman.  The family was curious about it and asked a student sitting on a nearby bench what the significance of the statue.  They were floored at the openness and kindness of the student, who took the next ten minutes to explain who George Eastman was and his impact on the University.

Continuing on with their free time, they got a bit lost.  They approached another random student scurrying to their next class.  The student, a total stranger, took it upon themselves to walk this family to the admissions office.  Along the way, the Rochester student talked to them about their experience, the research they were conducting, why they chose to come, etc.  The student also shared a story about how President Seligman is known for taking the time to throw the Frisbee with students on the quad.  Needless to say the family, and especially this father, was impressed with the students and social climate of the school.  He was floored that the “president” would be so social, let alone our students.

I’d be lying if I said my chest wasn’t sticking out a bit more than it usually does, while I was beaming with pride over the school I represented and graduated from.  So much so, that I was caught a bit off-guard when the fathers countenance fell and his tone sharpened.  He asked, very seriously, what was going on that day that made everyone act so kindly.  He was convinced there was some “inside agenda” to paint an unrealistic image of our school on the day he was visiting.  I couldn’t help but laugh, albeit nervously.

I told him what I believe is true.  Rochester, and the students that attend, tend to be different.  They are normal, social, friendly, and out-going.  Despite the fact that they are extremely intelligent, they are also very collegial by way of disposition.  It’s been said that the campus has a very “Midwestern” feel about it.  Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, our students (and staff) are people of passion.  The research and curriculum really do tend to attract people who do what they do because they love it.  It’s this love or passion that impacts our campus.

We’re not perfect, and this family obviously had a very special experience on-campus.  Does everyone have this type of experience?  Of course not; I’m sure the campus has a different feel during final exam week (for example).  On the whole though, from Ken in parking, to the President, and our average student, I do believe the atmosphere at Rochester is both unique.