FOUNDATION TIES
The early Peer Leader years were strictly dedicated to facilitating orientation. In 2008 the group merged with the McNeese Ambassadors and took on additional duties including assisting at presidential events, career fairs and graduation among other activities. The primary purpose of the Peer Leaders is to help incoming students relate more to the college experience. “The incoming freshmen connect with the college experience when learning about McNeese from current students,” said Karen Westfall, academic adviser in general and basic studies and coordinator of orientation. “Peer Leaders are students who truly love McNeese and are able to communicate the basics of the college experience in a relatable way during orientation,” Karen said. Westfall is the perfect person to coordinate orientation since she was a Peer Leader herself and a student worker in the general and basic studies office during her time as a McNeese student. Anne-Marie Himel and Anthony Cutrera are both junior nursing majors currently serving as Peer Leaders. Anne-Marie is serving her second year as a Peer Leader while this is Anthony’s first year. Anne-Marie decided to apply for the group after talking with Karen. “I didn’t know many people at McNeese when I first started, and I wanted to meet new people and get involved on campus,” she said.
Building Leaders From Peers If you are looking for student leaders on the McNeese State University campus, look no further than the McNeese Peer Leaders. You can find Peer Leaders working events at the McNeese President’s home, helping with student registration, participating in campus events, facilitating freshman orientation, and most importantly, representing McNeese in a positive light. The Peer Leader program was established during the 1997-98 school year as the result of Ed Khoury, director of general and basic studies, and Dr. Jeanne Daboval, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, wanting more student involvement with freshman orientation. Originally lecture-based, freshman orientation has now developed into a high-energy, fun introduction to McNeese, largely due in part to the Peer Leaders. 4
Anthony receives satisfaction from supporting the University through the Peer Leader program and teaching first-time freshmen about the college experience. “I saw the Peer Leaders when I went through orientation and thought that I’d like to participate.” The group is limited to 20 members who must meet certain requirements. Peer Leaders must be full-time students carrying 12 or more credit hours, maintain a 2.5 grade point average and be actively involved with one student organization. Applications are accepted for the program in the fall. Applicants must undergo an interview with Westfall, Marshall Guidry, academic adviser in general and basic studies and assistant coordinator of orientation, and current Peer Leaders, with the final selection made in December. The number of students selected each year depends on the number of members leaving. Previous Peer Leaders must reapply each year but do not have to participate in the interview process. Peer Leaders receive an annual $1,600 scholarship award for their work and dedication.