Seniors travel 'to infinity, beyond' at retreat
Campus Times
April 11, 1997
In an emotional moment, Claudia Jiminez shares what she liked most about
La Verne.
After reading their goal letters from freshman camp, Jose Barba and
Christina Tejeda laugh as they remember their freshman year.
Members of Iota Delta, Donna Besson, Melissa Collett, Janeen Carrigan,
Martha Fernandez, Cherryl Cercado and Shannon McCrea share their goal letters
in fun and laughter.
Mario Lopez and Kristi Smith fondly recall their goal letters.
Julie Mayer and Ray Garza dance during a break.
Memories at the University of La Verne were relived and reflected upon
as approximately 50 seniors, faculty and staff camped out at Pilgrim Pines
Camp to participate in Senior Retreat last weekend.
"To Infinity and Beyond" was the slogan of this year's retreat.
Senior Retreat was sponsored by numerous ULV departments, as well as Coca-Cola
and Frito-Lay. The committee was comprised of Kate Mueller, coordinator
of student development programs; Terrie Lopez, coordinator of career placement;
Eric Bishop, assistant professor of journalism; Claudia Jimenez and Shannon
McCrea as senior representatives; and Alma Barrera and Manny Estrada as
junior representatives.
"I can't emphasize enough the fantastic committee. This was an
exceptional group of seniors," said Mueller.
Barrera, who has participated as an OWL for the last two freshman camps
at Pilgrim Pines, said, "Pilgrim Pines is very symbolic to me because
every time I come back I continue to grow. It was a great opportunity for
me because a lot of my friends were up here. I'm looking forward to next
year's retreat."
President Stephen Morgan encouraged the seniors about their goals and
future, at the Michaelangelo's dinner before they set out to Pilgrim Pines.
"Thank you for what all of you have contributed to the life of
this institution. Dream dreams. Live life now. Life isn't tomorrow or next
year, it's right now. So enjoy the moment," said Dr. Morgan.
After all retreat participants arrived at Pilgrim Pines, everyone gathered
at the lodge for a night of activities. The first activity was the ice breaker,
in which many seniors had the chance to introduce themselves. Dwight Hanawalt,
professor of physical education emeritus, then led everyone in folk dancing.
Laughter filled the room as seniors saw themselves as freshmen on the
orientation videotaped four years ago and Cathy Henley-Erickson, professor
of English, led an emotional fireside chat in which seniors expressed their
concerns for the future.
"It was nice to come back again and to just remember that I've
learned so much," said senior Joseph Martinez. "When I was a freshman
I thought I knew everything, now I realize how little I know."
Senior Adrienne Graeber said, "Our school gives us the opportunity
to be together."
Saturday morning, after breakfast, a ULV discussion was conducted by
Bishop and Rick Simon, assistant professor of Mathematics. Dr. Bill Cook,
vice president of academic affairs and the original scheduled speaker, could
not attend due to illness.
Dr. Loretta Rahmani, associate dean of student services, then talked
about how joy is important to maintain through life. She went on to say
that joy comes from the inside.
"It [Senior Retreat] helped me see that I'm not in as bad of shape
as I thought I was. I actually feel ready and I'm able to reflect on how
I've done," said senior Dan Herrig.
"I felt like I wasn't alone," said senior Nada Khattar.
The next activity was the 10-year wish list, in which the seniors had
the chance to set goals for their future. After the seniors completed the
10-year list, OWL letters were given out to OWL members and a class agent
election was held to determine the who would keep the class of 1997 in touch.
Bishop led another emotional discussion on reflections at ULV before the
seniors were handed their goal letters from their freshman year.
"I remember back where I did things as a freshman here at camp.
It's nice that these are the people that were in my OWL," said senior
Stefanie Contreras.
All seniors in attendance received symbolic senior gifts as Mueller,
Lopez and Bishop closed the retreat.
Senior Shelvin Lal reflecting on the retreat, said,"My experience
was enlightening in the sense that I've gotten to know individuals more
deeply that I knew only on the surface."