First Year Experience at Philadelphia University

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2012 START LEADERS

START Leaders play an integral role in the success of the Philadelphia University START & New Student Orientation program and are recognized leaders throughout the Philadelphia University community. They serve as group leaders, liaisons between various departments, registration assistants, peer educators, and positive role models.

START Leaders are actively involved in assisting all new students with their transition to Philadelphia University, whether it be from high school, the work force, the military, or another institution of higher education. If you see a START Leader from the same hometown, with the same major, or with a common interest, feel free to drop them a note!

Daniel Arroyo
Class of 2013
Major: Law and Society
Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Tip: Allow yourself to be open to new experiences.
PhilaU Fact: If you're working or studying late on campus, call an escort to bring you across campus.
Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant, Law and Society Club, and Assistant Editor of “The Voice”

Jeff Bingeman
Class of 2013
Major: Architecture
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Tip: Be confident in yourself, your character, and your will.
PhilaU Fact: All buildings on campus have WIFI and you can print to any campus printer.
Campus Involvement: Learning Community Peer Mentor, Resident Assistant, and Intramural Sports.

Katie Blumberh
Class of 2014
Major: Interior Design
Hometown: Easton, MD
Tip: Be open and friendly and you will have no problem making friends
PhilaU Fact: Scholler is great! I lived there my freshman year and I had a great time.
Campus Involvement: Phoneathon, Honors Society, and International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

Trevor Dority
Class of 2014
Major: Mechanical Engineer
Hometown: San Marino, CA
Tip: Be on time with all your homework, project, etc.
Campus Involvement: Student Activities Office Program Assistant, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Admissions, Ram Madness, Writer Slam, and UNITY Week Planning Committee.

Sarah Eggers
Class of 2015
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Hometown: Ambler, PA
Tip: Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep catches up with you
PhilaU Fact: Fortess Residence Hall was once a classroom building from an all-girls school.
Campus Involvement: Fashion Industries Association (FIA), Fashion Apparel Management Experience (FAME), and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

Gia Gladden
Class of 2014
Major: Fashion Design
Hometown: Abington, PA
Tip: Work on your time management - it'll be your key to success!
PhilaU Fact: There is a secret classroom in Gutman Library called the Media Classroom
Campus Involvement: Residence Life, Common Thread Staff, and LEAD Certificate Program

Gabriella Hull
Class of 2013
Major: Interior Design
Hometown: Litite, PA
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask upper classmen questions, use them as a resource!
PhilaU Fact: There is a small theater troupe (but amazing) on campus - check them out!
Campus Involvement: Gemini Theatre, Chamber Ensemble, International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and Kanbar Building Manager

Regina M. James II

Class of 2013

Major: Fashion Design

Hometown: Ambler, PA

Tip: Expect that you will not get things perfect the first time.
PhilaU Fact: There are pretty much always giving you opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Campus Involvement: Fashion Insdustries Association, Tutor at Learning and Advising, Ram Royale Step Team, Resident Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Black Student Union, Black Retail Action Group (BRAG), and Alpha Lambda Delta (Honor Society).

Andrew Kelly
Class of 2015
Major: Pre-Med
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Tips: Make sure you see your advisor quick (as in the first week of classes)!
PhilaU Fact: You can buy whatever you want from the store at Ted’s with your meal plan.
Campus Involvement: Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Power to Change Power to Do, Chemistry Tutor for the PhilaU Learning and Advising Center, and Asclepia Society.

Rae Kuhn
Class of 2014
Major: International Business
Hometown: Hanover, PA
Tips: Don’t fear change, embrace it!
PhilaU Fact: There’s a club for EVERYTHING (literally)! and if there isn’t one for you, create it.
Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant (2011-12), Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), LEAD Certificate Program, CHOICES Facilitator, Student Council Committee, and Community Service Coordinator.

Nytae Lane
Class of 2015
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
Tip: Study groups are very helpful and useful.
PhilaU Fact: Professors will seem a little scary at first, but they will form into family and it is a family bases campus
Campus Involvement: Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and GSA.

Luis Ledesma
Class of 2014
Major: Digital Animation
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Tip: Go to every game for support.
PhilaU Fact: You can order your food online and in advance, and it'll be ready for you at the Common Thread Express!
Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant (2011-12) and Ravenhill Dining Hall staff.

Calleigh McDonald
Class of 2015
Major: Architecture
Hometown: Hatboro, PA
Tip: Use the Learning and Advising programs. They help lots!
PhilaU Fact: "Late Night" at Ravenhill Dining Hall serves great food until midnight, which is awesome for when your working late in the studios.
Campus Involvement: Student Alumni Association, Ultimate Frisbee, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Gallagher Fitness Center Employee.

Jakob Noon
Class of 2016
Major: Architecture
Hometown: East Norriton, PA
Tip: The campus isn’t limited to just Schoolhouse and Henry. Make use of the city.
PhilaU Fact: The campus is almost like a park and its location adjoining Fairmount Park is one of the highlights of the school.
Campus Involvement: Architecture and the Built Environment Learning Community (Fall 2011), PhilaU Band, and Relay for Life.

Molly Pak
Class of 2014
Major: Physcian Assistant
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA
Tip: Check your email! Most of us are keen to the tech world, but your inbox will be your best friend and your gateway to the social community on campus.
PhilaU Fact: Hayward Halll has a large diversity of majors in one building. If you look hard enough you might find yourself checking out the cadaver lab or the 3D machine.
Campus Involvement: Student Govermnment Association President, Class President (2010-11; 2011-12), Interfaith Community, PhilaUThon and Physcian's Assistant Society.

Olivia Ramsey
Class of 2014 (Transfer Student)
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Tips: Take advantage of the help offered at school.
PhilaU Fact: If you like to work out the school offers classes (Pilates, yoga, Zumba) free of charge, but get there early to get your pass cause they fill up quickly
Campus Involvement: Tommy Hilfiger Internship, Bike Expo Fashion Show, PhilaU Models, and Community Service.

Katie Renner

Class of 2012

Major: Architecture

Hometown: Frederick, MD

Tip: Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself-no one knows each other.

PhilaU Fact: Each professor has their own talent, ideas, and experiences to share so listen up and experience each one individually.

Campus Involvement: Varsity Softball, LEAD Participant, and Kanbar Campus Center Building Manager.

Kathianna Rausseau
Class of 2013
Major: Interior Design
Hometown: Westbury, New York
Tip: Explore any major that interest you. PhilaU is a creative environment; let the environment embrace you.
PhilaU Fact: Long hours in the studio are fun and you get great ideas from spending time with peers.
Campus Involvement: American Institute for Architecture Students (AIAS), and International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Eimon Shirazi
Class of 2013
Major: Business Management
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Tip: Don’t be afraid to try anything!
PhilaU Fact: Meal plans don't roll over, so even if you're not hungry, go use your meal plan and grab drinks and a snack!
Campus Involvement: Commuter Leader, Association for Commuting Students (ACS), Intrmural Sports, and UNITY Week Planning Committee.

Aneika Thomas
Class of 2015
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: East Orange, NJ
Tips: Stress keeps you motivated, but not too much (so take care of yourself)!
PhilaU Fact: There is most certainly a ghost in the Ravenhill Mansion.
Campus Involvement: Gemini Theater, PhilaU Singers, and Campus Activities Board (CAB).

Ahdeem Tinsley
Class of 2015
Major: Landscape Architecture
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Tips: Be yourself. You’ll make friends easier that way!
PhilaU Fact: PhilaU is pretty much a transportation hub and it’s connected to 4 neighborhoods in Philly; Germantown, North Philly, Manayunk, and East Falls. And that PhilaU has a lot more diversity than it seems, you just have to find it!
Campus Involvement: PRAISE Gospel Choir, Video Game Club, NOMAS, American Society for Landscape Architects (ASLA), American Institute for Architecture Students (AIAS), and Association of Commuting Students (ACS).