VIRTUAL WELCOME

Exercise science major Frederick Beckmann ’22 remembers being a freshman and attending his first-year orientation at Regis, eager and nervous for what was to come. “The orientation leaders were so supportive,” he recalls. “They answered all of my questions and helped put me at ease.” Frederick knew he wanted to become an orientation leader to help new students make the transition from high school to college, just as others did for him.

Due to COVID-19, orientation was changed from an in-person event to online virtual one. This made it even more important for orientation leaders to create a welcoming environment, allowing incoming students to still get the opportunity to meet their peers and get a taste of what the Regis community has to offer. The Office of New Student Programs worked diligently to present an online orientation platform that could do just that while offering resources that are vital to new members of the Pride.

“It has been a great experience so far,” says Frederick. “I still have had the chance to meet many of the incoming students, answer their questions, and offer guidance from my own experience.” His advice to students? “Treasure every moment of your freshman year, it goes in the blink of an eye. Make the most of it and take advantage of everything Regis has to offer.”

Being an orientation leader has taught him that everyone comes from different backgrounds, and embracing that and learning from others is important to him . “It is so important to take the time to hear someone’s story, really listen about their lives, and understand their experiences,” he says. “It has taught me to be more patient and not to be afraid to ask questions.”

“Freddie is a valuable member of the orientation team and the Class of 2024 is so lucky to have him,” shares Assistant Director of Student Engagement Elise Yonkers. “His energy is contagious, and he is the perfect person to put incoming students and his fellow orientation leaders at ease with his humor and charisma.”

Frederick is thankful for the opportunities that Regis has offered him to grow, not only academically but personally. “Regis has brought me out of my shell and helped me achieve more than I ever thought,” he says. “I did not think I could be class president or an orientation leader, but with the right guidance from Regis, everything became possible.”

After graduation, Frederick hopes to land a teaching position as a high school physical education and health teacher.