ODU President for a Day
April 22, 2003
It could be that Spring Semester ends several weeks early, if Ohio Dominican University Student Jennifer Brown has her way as University President. Brown will trade hats with University President Dr. Jack Calareso on "President for a Day," Monday, April 28, 2003.
On that day, Brown will assume the role of University president, taking command from the President's Office on the Second Floor of Erskine Hall on the University's Sunbury Road campus.
At the same time, President Calareso will spend the day taking on the role and responsibilities of a college student.
Brown, from Xenia, is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is secretary of the College Council, a residence life assistant, and vice president of the Senior Class. She will be attending graduate school at Syracuse University in the fall.
"I'm very excited to serve as president for a day of Ohio Dominican University! I think this will be a wonderful learning opportunity that will give me a glimpse into the life of a university president," said Brown.
Dr. Calareso brought the idea from Briar Cliff University, a Catholic liberal arts university in Sioux City, Iowa where he served as president prior to coming to ODU in June 2001. The event was very popular among Briar Cliff students and provided a way for the president to connect with students at their level. "We expect to have a lot of fun with this. Jennifer will get a taste of what she can expect in the real world. And I always find it an eye-opening experience to learn what goes on in a student's daily life," he said.
"President for a Day" has another goal, serving as a fundraiser for the University. Brown was the winner of a drawing sponsored by the University's Student Activities and Development Offices. She was one of several graduating students who made a contribution towards the Senior Class Gift to the University.
This year's senior class is working diligently to raise funds for a carillon, which will ring in the tower of Erskine Hall. "As a result of this class gift, future students at Ohio Dominican will enjoy the sounds of bells ringing on the hour…a memento from the students who came before them," said Todd Moellendick, Director of Student Activities.
President Calareso personally worked with Brown on her schedule for the day. She will arrive in the morning at the President's Office, dressed in business attire. Throughout the day, she will attend a series of meetings, meeting with the Vice President of Finance and Administration to review plans for a new residence hall to be built on campus; with the Executive Vice President and Director of Campus Ministry to discuss final details for the University's Spring Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremonies on May 16 and 17; and with the Vice President for Enrollment, Management and Marketing to discuss a marketing campaign for the University. She will also host a special luncheon in the President's Office for the Psychology department, and attend a reception for three retiring faculty members, delivering remarks as President.
At the same time, President Calareso will be attending Brown's classes, dressed in student attire and wearing a baseball cap. He will begin the morning as a work-study student for the Psychology Department (working for other faculty members and staff.) Then he will attend two psychology classes before eating lunch in the cafeteria with other students. In the afternoon he will attend meetings of the Senior Class Gift Table, the Psychology Club and the Residence Life Senior Staff.
This is not the first time President Calareso has lived the life of a student. When he first arrived on campus, he lived in one of the residence halls for a few weeks until his wife came to join him in Columbus.
