Get to Know Your Orientation Leaders
From left: Orientation Leaders Danika Evans, Lucia Rettig, and Karl Gangloff. (Mick Stinelli)
Before hundreds of new students flood Chatham University’s campus this week, more than two dozen returning undergraduates prepared to welcome them to New and Transfer Student Orientation. These Orientation Leaders (OLs) readied themselves for situations and questions that they might encounter with incoming freshman: Are required orientation events actually required? What do I do if my dorm neighbors are too loud? What if I start failing all of my classes?
In between training sessions, three of those OLs spoke to Pulse@ChathamU about their advice for new students, why they chose Chatham, and what they’re most excited for during orientation. These conversations have been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Karl Gangloff ’24
Major: Psychology
I originally came to Chatham because it gave me that small, woodsy atmosphere of my hometown of Bradford, Pa. All the scenery, the trees— I lived in the woods, so this gave me a sense of home, but I also had a change of scenery just down the road, in the city. The atmosphere felt very homey.
Orientation for my class was a bit different, because we came to Chatham in 2020. But, I met some of my closest friends at the university through orientation, because we had to do the events within our residence halls, so I got really close with the people that lived in the hall with me. I didn’t do Orientation Leader things until my third year. My friends told me I would be good at it, and I gave into it. My first year, I had such a great time with the people that I was working with and with the orientees themselves.
Take in the moment and enjoy everything. I know it’s going to be scary, and this semester is some people’s first time out there on their own. Find comfort in the discomfort. It’s all going to be okay. It’s going to be a very fun time.
Danika Evans ’24
Major: Biology
I originally came here because of the nursing program, and because I wanted to swim. I am now doing neither of those things, but it just worked really well, because I liked the small school atmosphere and I already had a couple friends that came here. It was just very welcoming when I came on my visit day.
The first year I was an OL, it got me out of my comfort zone. This is my third year doing it. The first year was really about getting me out of my comfort zone, and we did have that year of basically all online classes, so it was a nice way to meet people. My fellow orientation leaders, I ended up becoming close friends with a few of them. I like having this leadership position, but I love meeting the incoming first years and the new group of OLs every year. It’s a very social thing for me.
You have mandatory events, but orientation is really for you to get out of your shell and go to the fun, nighttime events. Meet people and find your place at Chatham.
Lucia Rettig ’25
Major: Interior architecture
I came for the interior architecture program. I knew I wanted to go to school in Pittsburgh, but I knew I didn’t want to live in the city, like I wouldn’t have enjoyed going to Pitt [the University of Pittsburgh]. I’m in the city, but I’m not; it’s really quiet and nice.
Orientation helped me have a really good experience. It was very smooth sailing. I was in a group with other interior architecture majors, and it helped me see who I would have classes with, who I would click with.
It’s going to be a whirlwind of emotions for new students here, whether they feel it emotionally or not. It’s a big change. Just be kind to yourself. Try to be outgoing, if you can; I know it’s scary. If you’re confused about how you’re feeling, if you think you don’t like it, just give it time. It will all work itself out.
Lucia, Danika, and Karl all agreed on which Orientation event they were most excited to do: karaoke in Carriage House on Friday night.
“Karaoke is always an amazing time to come out, you have the opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and do a song,” Karl said.
“It’s always so much fun,” Danika said.
“I’m going to push it a lot harder to my students,” Lucia said. “I remember last year thinking no one was going to sing— I didn’t know what to expect. From the first song, everyone was into it. The whole Carriage House was singing.”
Mick Stinelli is a Writer and Digital Content Specialist at Chatham University. His writing has previously appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and 90.5 WESA.