The SophoMORE Swamp Stomp served as a welcome-back party for all Loyola sophomores, as well as the kick-off event for the university’s SophoMORE Initiative program.
The Swamp Stomp took place Aug. 29 inside the swamp exhibit at Audubon Zoo. After enjoying their local New Orleans cuisine, the students were allowed to view the animals in the exhibit. The event also featured live music, local food and an alligator.
The Swamp Stomp was just the first event of the SophoMORE Initiative. The Career Development Center and the Student Affairs office designed the program as a part of Loyola’s plan to build retention at the university.
The goal is to keep sophomore students interactive and excited about their education and future. “It’s important during sophomore year that students have the support and help they need to narrow down majors and possible career choices. The SophoMORE Initiative is designed to do that, but in a fun way,” Roberta Kaskel, director of career development, said.
The Career Development Center and Student Affairs office have planned a series of events for the 2010-2011 academic year. The events include sports, lectures, retreats and career fairs.
“With all the first year programs we have, like the learning clusters and the Wolfpack Welcome, we were concerned that when students arrive for their second year, they may feel lost in the numbers, without all the attention they were used to from their previous year,” Elizabeth Rainey, retention and student success coordinator, said.
According to the program administrators, the SophoMORE Initiative will assist students in discovering their strengths, developing their talents, and applying skills and strategies to enhance leadership development. It will encourage academic and career success, as well as community and social well-being. The SophoMORE Initiative will guide second-year students with programs focused on self-reflection and discernment.
The next SophoMORE Initiative program is set for Wednesday, Sept. 15 in the Danna Student Center’s Claiborne Room from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is the first of many in the “SophoMORE’s Only” lunch series. These will be monthly lunches sponsored by the Career Development Center and iLive.
This 2010-2011 academic year is sure to be an exciting and successful year for sophomore students. There is a broad range of intentional programs planned just for them and administrators are hope they will take full advantage of each one.
Kris Johnson can be reached
